The third Ride for Jacob on Aug. 25 was a great success say Doreen Alexandris.
She said “The weather was perfect, the ride was beautiful. We rode approximately 200km in sunshine and the scenery was fantastic.”
Eleven riders joined Doreen and her husband Tony for the ride and about 60 people turned out for the barbecue.
This year it was a pig roast with a local individual coming to the Alexandris home for the all-day slow roast and baste.
Twenty two prizes were won; some donated for the event, others purchased by Tony and Doreen.
She added, “After the prizes we had a bonfire where some people sat around and chit chatted. The kids roasted marshmallows and some adults too.
“The emotions of sadness are taken over by the support of the people around us. Again all guests were friends, family and co-workers and they deserve a huge thank you. The donations total is $3,500. Tony and I will deliver the donations next month to the Spina Bifida Association personally.”
She also thanked all those who helped with the food and set up for the event.
“Tony and I are so proud of each person who touched our hearts with their generosity. I cry tears of joy every year as I feel the support around us. This is our strength and helps Tony and I deal with the death of our son. This year Jacob would be turning four and starting school. We miss him so much and wonder about the little boy he would be. This breaks our hearts but we think of the good our donations will do for a family and I pat us all on the back.
“Thank you, we could not do this without our supporters.”
The ride began after the couple lost their third son to a severe case of spina bifida.
Jacob Samual was born at 22 weeks gestation and lived only a few hours. The couple decided it was time to make a difference.
The first ride and barbecue generated $2,000, and last year the amount increased to $3,100.
Both Doreen and her husband have been overwhelmed with the support of family and friends. Participants rode to Shelburne, Redickville, Honeywood, Lisle, Everette, Loretto, Hockley Valley, Orangeville, Forks of the Credit, Erin then back to the Alexandris home. The next Ride for Jacob is Aug. 24, 2013.
