A local motorcycle club will host a benefit ride for a premature baby that has undergone several surgeries over the past six months.

The Iron Cross Red Sash’s benefit ride on June 8 will include bikes and jeeps and will raise money for Joee Kenerley, who has gone through a lot since his birth in November 2018. All of his health concerns have resulted in an emotional time for the Kenerley family, and they’ve created a financial strain for the family.

The riders in the benefit ride hope to help financially by raising money to support the family.

“We are so happy and thankful for sure, for all of this,” said Joee’s mother, Danielle. “It just amazes me that the community is coming together for us. The medical bills are tough, and I had to quit my job, and my husband is the only one working. This will definitely help out with all the bill costs.”

Joee has a heart condition called Tetralogy of Fallot, which will require surgery. That’s when a combination of four heart defects are present at birth.

He also has undersized kidneys, micrognathia and an undeveloped pituitary gland. Micrognathia is when the jaw is undersized.

“This is all for the baby and his family,” said club member Jason Brazil. “We just want to raise enough money to give the family more security and to help give them some money to pay for the hospital bills. Also, to try and ease their mind and just kind of help out with it all.”

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. with a $25 per rider and $5 per passenger fee. The ride begins at 11 a.m. on Upper Big Springs Road at the ICRS club house with “kick stands up and tops down.”

Riders will drive through town and take the “scenic route” to the Kenerley family’s home, according to Brazil.

“We want to step up to the plate and help with the hard times,” Brazil said. “We don’t have a total goal for the day, but we are hoping people will step up too. You will be surprised by how much people will raise at these things, and once they meet the family and hear it all, we are hoping they do that.”

Danielle says she hopes that the fundraiser can help tell Joee’s story.

“We just hope everyone around here can hear about his story and just help people realize how many babies are born with these things,” Danielle said.

“And also, how it affects the family. We are so thankful for everybody doing this and helping out with everything.”