AUGUSTA, Maine — Dozens of motorcyclists participated in a fundraising event Saturday in and around Augusta to help support a 4-year-old girl's medical treatments.
Held by the Red Knights of Maine Chapter Four, the group consists of former EMS workers and firefighters and often hosts fundraising rides to support the community.
Thirty-one riders started in Gardiner and rode to The Red Barn restaurant in Augusta, where recipient Aubrey Nickles and her family were waiting for their arrival.
"It was amazing. I had goosebumps all over my body," Aubrey's mother Julie Nickles said. "It means the world that so many people care."
Each registration to ride will go towards treatment for Aubrey, who is currently fighting total anomalous pulmonary vein return (TAPVR), a kind of congenital heart defect.
After undergoing several treatments and surgeries, Aubrey will now need a lung and heart transplant.
"When we heard that Aubrey was going to be here with [her] mom and dad, it was really good news because we know how tenuous her circumstances are sometimes. ... To know she's stable enough to come out and be here," member Steven Lunn said.
Although organizers don't know the exact amount of funds raised yet, they say they are anticipating even more donations from other Red Knight chapters as well, given their charitable history.