Riding for Lochlann: Strength, Hope, and the Road to Recovery
This year we are again honoured to take part in the Ride for SickKids, a fully police-escorted motorcycle charity event that brings together thousands of riders with one shared purpose: supporting the incredible children and families whose lives have been touched by SickKids.
For me, this ride is deeply personal.
I'm riding for my son, Lochlann.
Lochlann was born with Spina Bifida, and from the very beginning, he has faced challenges that no child should ever have to endure. Yet through every obstacle, he has shown us what true courage looks like. His resilience, determination, and smile continue to inspire everyone who knows him.
Recently, Lochlann underwent major surgeries that marked another significant chapter in his journey. While the surgeries were successful, they were only the beginning. He is now working incredibly hard through rehabilitation, growing stronger each day and proving that even the smallest steps forward are victories worth celebrating.
One of the most meaningful reminders of everything Lochlann has overcome is the collection of Bravery Beads he will soon receive from SickKids. By the time they are all counted, he will have earned nearly 300—if not more this far.
Each Bravery Bead represents a moment of courage. A surgery. A blood test. An MRI. An IV. A hospital stay. A therapy session. A procedure. Every bead tells the story of a challenge he faced with incredible strength.
Lochlann will be collecting something personal and meaningful—a strand of hundreds of colourful beads that tell the story of his journey. They are symbols of perseverance, hope, and a spirit that refuses to give up. Every bead represents a moment where he chose bravery, even when he was scared.
As parents, watching your child go through surgeries and recovery is something that changes you forever. Through every difficult day, the extraordinary team at SickKids has been there with exceptional skill, compassion, and unwavering support. They have cared for not only Lochlann but our entire family, giving us hope when we needed it most.
That is why I'm riding.
I'm riding to honour every Bravery Bead Lochlann has earned.
I'm riding for every child facing their own medical journey.
I'm riding for every family who has sat beside a hospital bed, praying for good news.
And I'm riding because SickKids gives children like Lochlann the chance to heal, grow, and dream about the future.
If you're able, I would be incredibly grateful if you would consider supporting my Ride for SickKids by making a donation or sharing this page. Every dollar raised helps provide life-changing care, groundbreaking research, innovative treatments, and compassionate support for children and families when they need it most.
Lochlann has taught us that bravery isn't the absence of fear—it's facing each challenge with courage, one day at a time.
As I join thousands of fellow riders in this incredible event, I'll be carrying Lochlann's story with me. I'll be thinking about every one of those nearly 300 Bravery Beads and what they represent: courage, resilience, hope, and a little boy whose strength is greater than words can ever express.
This ride is for Lochlann.
For his courage.
For his recovery.
For his future.
And for every child whose journey reminds us that hope is one of the most powerful things we can share.
Thank you for supporting Ride for SickKids, for believing in children like Lochlann, and for helping make miracles possible.
For Lochlann and all the children that Sick Kids help. It is a wonderful foundation. Keep up the good work.