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Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.

Eastern & Western PA Harley-Davidson Dealers Associations Hold 35th Annual Ride for Life Event to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association April 29, 30 & May 1

More than 500 attendees including 12 MDA ambassador families and 15 dealerships will gather to support research and care for the neuromuscular community.

NEW YORK, NY – April 26, 2022 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association today announced the 35th Annual Ride for Life event to be held by the Eastern & Western Pennsylvania Harley-Davidson at Lebanon Valley Exposition Center in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, with $60 event fee on Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. This event features field events, auctions, motorcycle rides throughout the area and a parade to celebrate the decades long partnership to bring awareness and funds and independence to MDA families living with neuromuscular diseases.

Ride for Life “Thunder Parade” will be held on Sunday, May 1 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, part of the 3-day event benefitting the mission of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ride for Life “Thunder Parade” will be held on Sunday, May 1 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, part of the 3-day event benefitting the mission of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The event is hosted by the Eastern & Western Harley-Davidson Dealers Association. The public can register for the full weekend of events, start teams, and make donations. Riders will have opportunities to connect with one another at local dealer events, rides, special kickoff calls, and more. Ride for Life fundraiser transforms lives and empowers people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

Jon Burcaw with his son, influencer Shane Burcaw with the hand-made, autographed guitar up for auction at this year’s Ride for Life event
Jon Burcaw with his son, influencer Shane Burcaw with the hand-made, autographed guitar up for auction at this year’s Ride for Life event

April is also National Volunteer Month and MDA welcomes volunteers to apply to support this event with a time commitment of at least four hours. Individuals, groups, families are welcome to register to volunteer their time to support a great cause in their community by signing up here, or email RideForLife@mdausa.org

"As I have said many times over the last 35 years, our riders have the biggest hearts and dedication to this cause. I'm always impressed about the monumental efforts of our riders through any kind of weather they show up for the cause and for the relationships we have with MDA families in our community. We're grateful to be able to support this cause helping families living with these diseases live life to its fullest. I am so proud to be affiliated with such an amazing group of dedicated dealers and riders," said Brian Bentley, Ride for Life Steering Committee Member.

"Thanks to MDA-funded research, hope for a longer, more independent life is now becoming a reality for thousands of people with muscular dystrophy and related diseases, who are at the heart of MDA's mission. And every year, our families, researchers, scientists, medical teams, volunteers, and staff come together with our Harley-Davidson family of riders to fundraise to continue to support research, care, and advocacy for the MDA community," said Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., President and CEO of MDA. "With the tireless dedication of partners like the Eastern & Western PA Harley-Davidson Dealers Association, we are achieving our mission to empower the people we serve. We are so grateful to everyone participating in the 35th Annual Ride for Life event.”

The partnership between MDA and the iconic Harley-Davidson company spans more than four decades. Within that partnership, the Eastern & Western PA Harley-Davidson Dealers Associations have had over 50,000 participants raise over $25 million, to fund critical research, care, and advocacy for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases.

ABOUT EHDDA

The EHDDA is comprised of authorized Harley-Davidson Dealerships throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, many of whom are second and third generation owners, dedicated to every aspect of professional service for their customers. They have the common goals of providing the best riding experiences and of helping charitable events making the riding community one of the most generous groups in the nations. The EHDDA and its dealers contribute well over $3 million dollars annually to important community causes.

About the Muscular Dystrophy Association

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of our families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. To learn more visit mda.org and follow MDA on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn.