The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Boy with leukemia gets special ride
Latin American Motorcycle Association, Lorain Fire Department throw early birthday surprise for Connor Rutledge
The Latin American Motorcycle Association along with the Lorain Fire Department paid a visit to young Lorain boy and gave him a surprise he’ll never forget.
Two-year- old Connor Rutledge was waiting outside his east side Lorain home when a flurry of motorcycles pulled up along with the Lorain Fire Department Pumper No. 4 leading the way, sirens blaring.
The Lorain motorcycle club and firefighters gave
Connor an early birthday fit for a champion.
Connor was diagnosed with leukemia and neuroblastoma and has been in hospital for much of his young life.
“We, as an organization, want to makewhatever time Connor has to be, a happy one,” said Elizabeth Toro, president of the Lorain Branch of the Latin American Motorcycle Association.
One of the members knew the family and after sharing their story, they knew they had to do something, Toro said.
Gathering for an evening ride, they arrived with loads of presents and a birthday cake for Connor, who turns three on Sept. 14.
He also got to ride with some of Lorain’s finest on Pumper No. 4.
“His face was a precious site when he saw the fire truck, and the motorcycles roll up to his house,” said member David Toro.
Founded in 1977, the Latin American Motorcycle Association touts more than 10,000 members worldwide and the Lorain chapter recently relocated from Cleveland earlier in 2019.
David Toro said the organization is working hard to change the perception that some have about bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts.
“We’re part of this community and community service is really important to us,” he said.
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Connor was diagnosed with leukemia and neuroblastoma and has been in hospital for muchofhis young life.