TopFeatured.com

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Tori’s Angels Foundation helps pay medical costs that insurance doesn’t cover for families with sick children.

The foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit, meaning all the money raised at events goes to families in Iowa. Saturday, September 14, a family that benefitted from the foundation is helping raise money for the foundation.

Wheelin’ for Healin’ is the name of the ride, organized by Mike, Kate, and Alex Mauer. Mike and Kate’s son, Alex has a kidney disease and a few years ago his mother gave him one of her kidneys. Alex is currently doing well and is in high school. Mike and Alex came on Today in Iowa Sunday to talk about the ride.

“They have been a financial support for us, they’ve been an inspiration of hearing stories about other families and other children,” said Mike Mauer. “…It’s been a pick me up as we are driving home from Iowa City not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring. It allows us to live as normal of a life as we can.”

“Tori’s Angels has done a lot,” said Alex. “It’s cool being a part of this big family and even though you can’t make it to the events you are still supporting children you haven’t even met.”

The ride goes from Adel to Panora in one big loop. A member of Tori’s Angels board also joined Today in Iowa Sunday to talk about how the organization started in the first place.

“Two couples in our church decided a hold a fundraising breakfast,” said M.J. Brown, discussing Tori who had a unique condition and required travel for an operation. “And we were expecting a couple hundred people to show up, but 600 people showed up and we ended up raising $20,000.”

Tori just graduated high school, and the foundation currently helps 165 children, 30% of whom are in the metro. To register for the bike ride or donate to the foundation visit their website.