One way to raise awareness for CMV is to host an
event that will inform participants as well as entertain. Max’s Miracle
Motorcycle Ride was held on October 4, 2008 to draw attention to this
disease and provide a fun environment.
Eight month-old Maximus
Payeur was born with CMV or
Cytomegalovirus, and his mother Shannon Payeur, with the help of family
and friends, organized Max’s Miracle Motorcycle Ride to raise money
for research. The money that was raised was sent to the National CMV
Registry.
Over 300 people
attended the event at Bumpus Harley Davidson in Murfreesboro, TN with 86
registered bikers. Registration included a $25 dollar fee, the
motorcycle ride, a t-shirt with the event’s logo, a poker run and lunch.
Bikers had the option of riding free without receiving a t-shirt and
lunch.
Ride destinations started at Color My Shirt
Screen-printing in Smyrna, TN, the Million Dollar Bridge, Bell Buckle,
TN, Classic Custom Cycles in Murfreesboro, TN and ended at the event’s
location Bumpus Harley Davidson. After the bikers’ arrival, silent and
live auctions were given with prizes that ranged from a handmade quilt,
private lessons from Guardian Mixed Martial Arts and a fiddle signed by
Charlie Daniels. Entertainment for children included a large air slide
and the Murfreesboro Fire Department who brought along a small talking
fire engine named Trevor. Various bands provided live music throughout
the day.
Bikers could participate in a bike show with
categories that consisted of best classic, best sports bike, best
custom, best antique, and judges and peoples choice. Winners of the
poker run, where bikers received the best hand as they rode from each
destination, were eligible to win gift certificates for first, second
and third place. A 50/50 raffle went on during the day with prizes given
every half hour.
The event was planned by Shannon in three months
and involved internet research to help her coordinate the activities.
Riders came from various locations with one participant driving 87 miles
to the event.
In regards to the reason for the event, Shannon
stated, “I don’t want another family to go through what we went through.
Max’s Miracle Motorcycle Ride was not to just raise money, but to raise
awareness; awareness is most important.”
Shannon plans to
continue holding the event annually and keep informing others about CMV.
