When Eddie Elkhoury was diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoma in March of 2016, optimism was in short supply for his family. With one tumor in his brain and three found on his spine, Eddie and his family could only hope that the efforts of Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) would be enough to save him.
While doctors and staff at BCH worked tirelessly to help Eddie, his father, Hanna Elkhoury, refused to just stand around and wait. Inspired by Misty Grimard, an employee with the Stumble Inn Bar and Grill, Hanna, alongside family and friends, set forth to start the #EddieStrong Bike Run for Boston Children’s Hospital, a motorcycle rally focused on raising money for the BCH.
Entering its second year with the most recent run occurring on July 22, Eddie has been declared cancer-free, though that has not stopped the family from showing its appreciation for the efforts of BCH and doing what they can to help other children fighting the same battle that Eddie once fought. The three-hour ride extended across Routes 28 and 111, with three stops at various destinations along the way.
Heading out from in front of the Stumble Inn, more than 150 motorcycles and their riders gathered in the parking lot, all with their own motivations to come by and support the cause. Riders included Colby Jerram and his friend Vincent Daw, with Jerram attending because “[his] mom used to have cancer.” Carley Longtin, whose sister is friends with relatives of the Elkhoury family, was in attendance, as well as Dan Noyes, who rode simply to “support a good cause.”
Hanna, who had been in benefit rides in the past and has been riding motorcycles for over a decade, could not have been more satisfied with the outcome. Although he would have been happy with whatever amount of money and support he could get, Hanna was ecstatic with the support he received, including numerous donations from local businesses such as Lowes and Home Depot.
Described as a “family and friends effort,” the ride also included a free breakfast and a raffle for a 110cc retro-style scooter with a side cargo cart.
Hanna described Eddie as the “most giving kid,” stating that he was always open to sharing his toys when playing with other children. Eddie himself noted that he felt “awesome” about all the support this cause was receiving and that he was hoping to do more rallies in the future.