Ride to Provide With L.I.F.E. Fall Fundraiser

L.I.F.E. was created in honor of Lauren Reed, a beautiful six year old child who suffers from Sanfilippo Syndrome. Children with Sanfilippo syndrome are missing an essential enzyme that breaks down a complex body sugar called heparin sulfate. This sugar slowly builds in the brain, stopping normal development and causing hyperactivity, sleep disorders, loss of speech, dementia and typically death before adulthood. There is no cure, yet. It is through Lauren Reed that her mother and therapist found one another, saw a need and decided to do something about it for Lauren and all the other children with special needs.

On Nov. 15th, you can take part in the Ride to Provide with L.I.F.E. (Lauren's Institute for Education) fundraiser event. The cost is $30 per Rider or $40 Two Up. The ride will start at 10 am from 3341 E. Queen Creek Rd., Ste #109 in Gilbert and will end at The Buffalo Chip, 6811 E. Cave Creek Rd. in Cave Creek. Registration is available online at laurensinstitute.org or by calling 480-621-8361 or the day of the event from 8 am to 10 am.

The event will also includes live music, a silent auction, casino tables, a raffle, drinks, & a Texas Hold'em Tournament($100 Donation per seat). The lunch that will be provided inlcudes, BBQ Brisket, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Cole Slaw, Beans, & Rolls.

Prizes include:
2 custom painted helmets & a custom paint job
(First 100 riders get a free pin)

In the state if Arizona, children who qualify for services through the Department of Developmental Disabilities are provided with several therapies. This included Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy and Habilitation. Due to the growing number of children in Arizona who qualify for these services, the ratio of client to therapist is, at times, overwhelming. Because there are few therapist to client need, parents are forced to take what is available based on necessity versus quality. This means parents are traveling from one facility to another trying to get their services and needs met. If a family is lucky, they may have a therapist who will come to them for home based services. However, this cut down on how many children can be seen due to travel time for the therapist.

In addition to the need for quality therapy for these children, there is an even greater need for appropriate social interaction and facilities that understand this need and can accommodate these special children and their individual needs. Today, there are places like Peter Piper Pizza, Chuck E. Cheese, Polar Ice, Bounce Zone and the Public play arena at your local mall where typical children can go and play. However, for a child with a developmental disability or a physical handicap, these facilities are not realistic. These children need and deserve a place where they can go and play, learn and socially interact; where they feel supported and accepted.

Their vision for children with special needs and their families is to build a 11,000 square foot facility called L.I.F.E. The Inspiration for doing this comes from Lauren and it only seems fitting to name this center for Lauren. This facility serves two purposes: 1) It is a facility where children’s therapist are located under one roof, and 2) Provides specially designed, accessible classrooms and play arenas for the children’s enjoyment. In addition to a daily therapy, they will have the option of signing up for designated play groups, organized habilitation sessions and open play time. Because all the therapist are under one roof, they will insist on a group collaboration wherein all therapist are communicating and supporting each others individual goals to better serve and meet the needs of the child. But most importantly, each child will be nurtured and believed in.

They are currently seeking help raising money for equipment and materials for the center in addition to any non-cash items for their fall fundraiser. Contact Margaret Travillion at (480)621-8361 3341 E. Queen Creek Arizona 85236. Any donation item will be used as raffle prizes or silent auction items.