The third annual Talon Harwood Memorial Ride held recently raised $11,000 for LifeFlight and the First Baptist Church of Hallowell, pushing the total raised from the event since 2011 to more than $25,000.
In 2006, Julian and Betsy Harwood of Manchester suffered a heartbreaking loss when their 11-year-old son, Talon, passed away from complications of asthma. As happens with many families that weather a tragedy, the next few years were especially challenging and in the end, Julian and Betsy decided to go their separate ways. But they never really gave up on each other and in 2013, they re-tied the knot at the event they created to honor the memory of their son.
This year’s ride, which started in Gardiner, made its way down the Pemaquid peninsula to the lighthouse where participants were treated to the Harwoods’ marriage ceremony. The group then headed north again to the finish at Pittston Fairgrounds. There, friends and family joined the riders for a barbecue and live entertainment. Winners were also announced for the three raffle prizes: a motorcycle trailer from Scott’s Recreation; a mower and weed trimmer; and an 18-item meat package from Fuller’s Market.
The ride would not have been possible without the support of several local law enforcement and EMS agencies along the route that helped direct traffic and keep the riders safe. Many thanks go out to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department; Maine State Police; Gardiner Fire Rescue; Police Departments from Gardiner, Wiscassett, and Damariscotta; and Pittston Fire.
LifeFlight of Maine is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit air medical and critical care transport organization. LifeFlight helicopters, flying at 165 miles per hour, bring lifesaving critical care staff and equipment directly to the patient. It also provides advanced emergency medical training to Maine’s hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS) and public safety agencies. Overseen by 21 physicians, LifeFlight cared for more than 1,500 critically ill and injured patients in 2012. Since its inception in 1998, LifeFlight has transported more than 15,000 patients from every hospital and nearly all of Maine’s communities and islands. If you would like to learn more about LifeFlight, like us Facebook (search for Lifeflight of Maine) or follow us on Twitter (@LifeFlightMaine).