WHO 13 NEWS – A bike ride is happening this weekend to raise money to help kids with life-threatening medical challenges.

It’s called “Wheelin’ for Healin’” and proceeds will go to Tori’s Angels Foundation. The non-profit helps families pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance.

Vice-chairman JoAnn Alumbaugh said last year Tori’s Angels gave $646,000 to families in need.

“You know we’re giving hope to these families,” Alumbaugh said. “And it’s not just the money. It’s also the community. They’re meeting other families who have children with life-threatening illnesses. So it’s so much more than just the financial side.” 

To date, Tori’s Angels have helped 187 families across Iowa, including the Maurer family here in the metro.

Alex Maurer was diagnosed with a kidney disease when he was four years old. At 14, he had a kidney transplant donated by his mom. He’s now 16 years old and doing really well.

His dad, Mike, says the organization has done so much for their family, and the need is growing.

“We’ve known Tori’s Angels for about four years and they’re not slowing down,” Maurer said. “And when you do that, you need. So it takes a lot of people to financially help out, a lot of people to give their time, and the least we can do is be part of giving back to Tori’s Angels.”

That’s why the Maurer family is hosting the Wheelin’ for Healin’ bike ride on Saturday, September 20. 

Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. at Confluence Brewing in Des Moines with a group photo at 10:30. The group will ride the Carl Voss Trail, making stops at Single Speed Brewery and Easter Lake.

You can learn more here. You can watch the full interview with JoAnn Alumbaugh and Mike Maurer below.