Thunder Ride brings in $50K for La Crosse area children’s diabetes programs

A yearly motorcycle ride in the La Crosse area has raised over $50,000 for local hospitals.

This week, organizers of the Thunder Ride for Juvenile Diabetes donated about 75 percent of the money to Gundersen, and 25 percent to Mayo.

Neil Williams from Rod’s Ride-on Powersports in La Crosse said the rides have happened for over 20 years, bringing in a large total of donations.

“We all understand why we’re there,” Williams said during a check presentation at Mayo in La Crosse. “Yes, it’s a motorcycle ride or a classic car convertible, but we’re all there actually for the families affected by Type 1 diabetes.”

The hospitals use funding from the annual ride to support special camps and medical treatment for kids with diabetes.

Sarah Gossett, a Mayo nurse said the donations are welcomed for meeting the diabetes expenses.

“We have so many patients, dozens and dozens of families who have benefitted from this fund every year,” Gossett said. “It’s a huge expense, really. No matter your income level, diabetes is still an expensive disease to manage.”

More than $500,000 has been raised for local diabetes care in 22 years through the motorcycle ride.

Close to 200 riders took part in the area this year.