Print Article 2/24/2016 The 2nd Annual Life O’Riley Memorial Ride Committee presented a $4,171.86 check to the Home Nursing Agency Healing Patch: A Program for Loss and Hope for Grieving Children and Their Families.
Held in July, the 2nd Annual Life O’Riley Memorial Ride event honored the memory of Michael Patrick Riley, who passed away unexpectedly in April 2013, leaving behind three young daughters. In addition to remembering Riley, this year’s ride was also held in memory of Keith Irwin.
"It is an honor to have my son remembered," shared Tina Irwin, Keith’s mother. “It is a privilege to have his name attached to the Healing Patch because it goes to such a good cause. Keith loved kids, so this means a lot to us."
Pictured from left are Harry and Tina Irwin, parents of Keith Irwin; Nicole Earhart, sister of Michael Riley; Allison Stockley, Nursing Agency Healing Patch Manager; Erin Masone, Riley family friend and Kathy and Bernard Riley, parents of Michael Riley.
The Healing Patch is a free peer support program for children of all ages (preschool through 18 years) and their families who have suffered the death of a loved one. The safe environment allows grieving children and families to discover they are not alone and that hope and healing are possible. Centers in Blair and Cambria counties serve families from throughout the region. The Healing Patch is offered free-of-charge to children and families and relies on individual and community dollars, grants and community events for support.
The Riley family and friends will continue the Life O’Riley event in 2016.
