WICHITA, Kan. – More than 200 bikers arrived at Wesley Medical Center with presents in hand for the Iron Riderz’ first Christmas for the Kidz toy drive. Motorcycle club members and friends were on hand to deliver and distribute presents to Wesley’s pediatric patients, including 27 brand new pediatric wheelchairs.
“This was such a blessing not only to the hospital but to our littlest patients,” said Kristi Froese, Wesley pediatrics unit manager. “These wheelchairs were especially great to receive since pediatric patients come in all sizes.”
The Iron Riderz is a motorcycle club devoted to children in need in the Wichita area. The club wanted to put together a toy drive for the Christmas season and learned that Wesley’s Children’s Center was in need of pediatric wheelchairs. The Iron Riderz’ met with Wesley’s pediatric department staff and the Christmas for the Kidz event was born. Proceeds and toys collected from the toy drive also benefited Wesley’s Pediatric Playroom, the Ronald McDonald Family Room and the Ronald McDonald House across form Wesley Medical Center on Rutan Street. More than $18,000 in needed items and toys were collected.
“These riders took time out of their day to give back to these sick children,” said Froese. “It could not have been more appreciated.”
For more information about Wesley Medical Center and its services, please visit www.wesleymc.com. To see more photos from the Christmas for the Kidz event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/wesleymedical.
Wesley Medical Center is the region’s leading acute care hospital network providing a full range of diagnostic and treatment services for patients throughout Kansas and northern Oklahoma since 1912. As a leader in Overall Recommended Care, Wesley treats more than 24,000 patients annually and delivers more than 6,000 babies – more than any hospital in a 13-state region. Wesley provides the most extensive emergency network in Wichita, with Wesley ER, Wesley West ER and Galichia ER. Wesley owns and operates Galichia Heart Hospital, WesleyCare Clinics and the Pediatric Center of Kansas. To learn more about Wesley Medical Center, please visit wesleyintensivecaring.com.