Rochester infant battling cancer gets some help from the Ruff Ryders
Rochester's Chloe Harding is currently locked in a brutal battle with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia, which she was diagnosed with at four months old.
On Sunday, August 21, Chloe got some help from the Bristol Country Ruff Ryders and fellow motorcyclists as they cruised through Wareham and neighboring towns for the club's second annual motorcycle run to help a local child with cancer. This year's run - called Chloe vs. Cancer - began at Decas Elementary School and ended at the Dudley L. Brown VFW in Onset.
Chloe has been receiving treatment - chemotherapy and radiation - at Children's Hospital in Boston since January 11. She was just four months old when diagnosed. She underwent a bone marrow transfer last month and her family is hoping she can return home soon.
Chloe is "responding well" to treatment, said her mother, Lindsay, adding that it's rare that Chloe got the disease while so young.
When Chloe is released from the hospital, she will have to return to Boston three times per week for clinic visits.
A club for motorcycle, car, and truck enthusiasts which gives back to the surrounding communities and people in need, the Bristol County Ruff Riders organized the fundraiser after hearing about Chloe.
"It was really thoughtful," said Lindsay, who added that she knows some of the club's members from work and through the community.
Chloe has been in isolation at the hospital. Only one parent has been able to stay with her at a time - Lindsay or her husband, Harrison. The couple also has a two-year-old son, Wyatt.
"We really appreciate everyone coming out to support us," said Lindsay, speaking to the dozens of motorcyclists who attended the motorcycle run. "It means a lot."
For more information about Chloe and upcoming fundraisers to help the family, visit www.chloehardingfund.com.
To learn more about the Bristol County Ruff Ryders and the group's upcoming events, click here.
Jaime Rebhan is the Editor of Wareham Week.