Though a difficult time of year for Tony and Doreen Alexandris, they continue the journey to celebrate their son’s life and to help others in need.
In a recent invitation to participants of this year’s Ride for Jacob, Doreen Alexandris wrote, “As the planning gets underway, I often wonder what type of personality would Jacob be? Jacob would turn five in August this year and although time has passed, Tony and I remember holding Jacob in his few hours of life and know he touched our hearts for a short but lasting time.”
The Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario supports families facing the challenges associated with these serious, disabling neurological conditions.
This marks the fourth year for the ride and barbecue on Aug. 24. For those planning to ride with the couple, “meet by 12:30 at our home (5464 Wellington Road 26) and we will ride a beautiful country ride about 200km with a couple of stops for drinks and a break.”
The intent is to return to the Alexandris residence around 5pm to enjoy “a social evening, great food, and bonfire.”
“Of course all our guests who do not ride a motorcycle, are welcome to join us by 5pm or so at our home for good eats, socializing and bonfire. Please remember we will have door prizes to be won, the kids can swim if parents allow and we can roast wieners and marshmallows on the fire later.”
Participants are asked to let the couple know how many are taking part by Aug. 9 (for food preparations).
First ride in 2010
Doreen and Tony began the first “Ride for Jacob” in 2010 as a tribute to their son Jacob who was born in 2008 with a severe case of spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Their annual motorcycle ride and barbecue afterwards has grown each year and the first three rides combined have raised close to $10,000.
All proceeds are donated to the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario in Jacob’s memory.
For further information, please contact Tony or Doreen Alexandris at t.d.alexandris@gmail.com or by calling 519- 833-0447. Online donations can be made through the SB&H website http://www.sbhao.on.ca/about-us/donate. Just click on CanadaHelps. From there, click on “Donate Now” and the fund/designation “Ride for Jacob.”
