Motorcycle enthusiasts 'Rev It Up' in Vaughan

YorkRegion.com
July 20, 2014

Meredith Johnson knows SickKids can make a huge difference to families.

She's currently the managing director of Boomerang Health in Vaughan, an organization affiliated with the Toronto children's hospital. However, she knew SickKids fairly well in a different capacity about 11 years ago, when her now 13-year-old son, Simon, became very ill.

Hospital staff eventually diagnosed Simon with aplastic anemia, a condition that occurs when the body stops producing an adequate number of new blood cells.

Simon received a rare bone marrow transplant at the hospital, Johnson said.

"We are lucky to have such easy access to the hospital," she said. "During the day or the middle of the night, whenever you need it, it's there. That's why I got into health care."

The lifesaving work done at the hospital is a large reason for the creation and continued work of the Rev It Up charity motorcycle ride, which ran through Vaughan, Toronto and Brampton earlier today.

At least $50,000 has been raised this year for the SickKids Foundation, Rev founder Salvatore Oliveti said.

"I wanted to do a fundraiser that would be different and special," he said. "I believe every human mind feels pleasure in helping children. I'm very happy I'm not forced to deal with the problem of having a sick child. We are doing a very good thing for those kids, helping with those children and their families."
Organizers announced a $500,000 commitment to the hospital, during a presentation in March 2013. So far, more than $200,000 has been collected, he said.

Proceeds will be used to purchase Near Infrared Spectroscopy Technology equipment, which monitors oxygen levels and assesses a heart's ability to distribute oxygen throughout a child's body. Rev has also committed support to Camp Oki — a summer camp for SickKids cardiac patients — and The Sarah Smith Fund, which benefits the search for a brain tumor cure.

Bruce Johnson, a Wasaga Beach resident, who was asked to lead the ride with 13-year-old daughter Holly, says hospital staff do incredibly important work.

Though Bruce and Holly are not related to Meredith, their stories highlight the eclectic role the nearby, world-class facility plays in the area. Bruce's young daughter, Alyssa Rae, died at the hospital less than a month after being born in 1998.

"We're beyond proud to be here," he said. "It's probably the greatest children's hospital in the world and it's right down the road. We're very lucky to have this in our lives. You take it for granted until you need it."  

Bruce and Holly raised $25,000 for the hospital and Children’s Miracle Network, during a 9,500 kilometre motorcycle trip to Costa Rica recently. The trip marked the 15th anniversary of Alyssa Rae's death.

For more information on Rev, visit revitupforsickkids.com, or follow @RevItUp4Kids on Twitter.