Riding for a Cause, Changing Lives
About Thunder Ride
Since 1999, Thunder Ride has been more than just an event—it’s a movement born from a simple, powerful idea: to lift up our community however we can. Over the years, that mission has sharpened into a relentless focus on supporting kids and families battling Juvenile Diabetes—also known as Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)—right here in the La Crosse area. What started as a spark of hope has evolved into a roaring force for good, growing stronger every year with new riders, new sponsors, and more families joining the fight. Fueled by the generosity of everyone involved, we refuse to let these young warriors face this disease alone.
Juvenile diabetes doesn’t pull any punches. With Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) now making up nearly 98% of diabetes cases in children under 10 and over 87% in youth aged 10-19, according to the National Library of Medicine, it’s a reality for many kids in our community. For those living with it, each day is a test of strength—insulin injections, constant blood sugar monitoring, and doctor visits that can happen up to three times a week. For their families, it’s an emotional and financial marathon, with monthly expenses ranging from $500 to $5,000 just to keep their child stable. These are not mere statistics. These are the lives of over 200 local children who depend on care from facilities like Emplify Health and Mayo Clinic Health System. That’s 200 kids who deserve the chance to enjoy a carefree childhood and 200 families who shouldn’t have to choose between paying the bills and buying life-saving insulin.
That’s where Thunder Ride comes in.
The Ride That Roars
Every year, we host the Thunder Ride—a one-of-a-kind event that brings drivers from near and far to hit the open road for a purpose. Picture it: engines rumbling and tires rolling down a winding route through the La Crosse region. We welcome motorcycles, convertibles, classic cars—really anyone who wants to be part of this great cause. It’s more than just a drive; it’s a tribute to the kids we’re fighting for. Their journey with Juvenile Diabetes is rough, unpredictable, and full of twists—just like the roads we travel. By riding together, we honor their struggle, share a piece of it, and remind them they’ve got a community behind them.
In 2024, that community showed up in a big way. The Thunder Ride raised over $50,000 in a single golden year—a haul that translated into real relief for families drowning in medical costs. That’s insulin in the fridge, testing strips on the counter, and a little less weight on a parent’s shoulders. It’s proof that when we come together, we can make waves that ripple far beyond a single day.
But the ride’s just one part of the story. Not everyone’s into revving engines, and we get that. That’s why we also throw a family-friendly gathering packed with food, games, and summer vibes—a chance to beat the heat and connect with others who care. Whether you’re tearing up the route or cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for you in this fight.
Ready to join us? Registration for Thunder Ride 2025 is open now—click here to saddle up!
This year, expect new sponsors, new riders, more families affected by T1D stepping up, and some fresh day-of-event activities (stay tuned for details!).
Impact That Hits Home
We dream of a day when Juvenile Diabetes is a memory, when a cure wipes it off the map for good. Until then, we’re in the trenches, raising every dollar we can to support the Coulee Region kids who need it most. And our supporters have been bringing the thunder. Since 2007 alone, Thunder Ride has contributed over $693,000 to families battling T1D at Mayo Clinic Health System and Emplify Health. Zoom out to our whole history since ‘99, and that number climbs even higher—every penny raised by people like you: sponsors, families, friends, and new faces who step up because they believe in these kids.
So where does the money go? Straight to the families who need it. All proceeds are funneled into dedicated accounts at Emplify Health and Mayo Clinic Health System where families apply for grants to cover the essentials: doctor visits, insulin pumps, medications, specialized gear, childcare, respite care—you name it. We distribute funds based on who’s struggling the most because no one should have to fight this disease while worrying about how to pay for it. Last year, those dollars made a tangible difference for dozens of local families, easing the burden of a disease that never lets up. It’s not just our goal; it’s a lifeline.
Take a second to think about those 200+ kids in our backyard. Some are toddlers still learning to walk. Others are teens trying to navigate school and friendships. All of them are tougher than most of us will ever have to be. With your help, we can ease their burden and give them a fighting chance—not just to survive, but to thrive.
How You Can Fuel the Fight
Monetary donations are the horsepower behind Thunder Ride’s impact. A few bucks can cover a vial of insulin; a bigger gift might fund an insulin pump that changes a kid’s life. But if cash isn’t in the cards, we’ve got other ways for you to pitch in. Got an item that could shine in our live auction, silent auction, or as a door prize? That works too—every bid raises the stakes for these kids. Click here to donate money or an item and know that whatever you give goes straight to the cause.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow our Chad Erickson Memorial Thunder Ride for Juvenile Diabetes Facebook page for the latest updates, stories from the road, and a front-row seat to the difference you’re making. This isn’t just an event—it’s a family, and we’d love for you to be part of it.
Why We Ride
At its core, Thunder Ride is about more than money or miles. It’s about showing up for the kids who can’t outrun Juvenile Diabetes, but who face it with a courage that humbles us all. It’s about their parents, who lie awake wondering how they’ll make it through another month. It’s about a community that says, “You’re not alone,” and means it. We can’t stop this disease in its tracks—not yet—but we can lighten the load, one ride, one donation, one smile at a time.
The road ahead isn’t easy, but that’s never stopped us before. Since 1999, we’ve been riding through rain, shine, and everything in between, because that’s what you do when you believe in something bigger than yourself. The kids of the Coulee Region are counting on us, and we’re counting on you. Whether you’re behind the wheel, tossing a few bucks in the pot, or spreading the word, you are a part of the thunder that keeps this mission alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Thunder Ride for Juvenile Diabetes continues to provide more and more support to our community year-after-year. With Type 1 Diabetes now accounting for nearly 98% of all cases of diabetes in children under 10 and over 87% of all cases in youth age 10-19 according to the National Library of Medicine, there is a very prevalent disease that directly affects the youth of our area. The Thunder Ride for Juvenile Diabetes is supporting many families in our area, and because of that, every year we get new riders and new sponsors that want to be a part of this cause. We welcome motorcycles, convertibles, classic cars, and really all of those who want to be a part of a great cause.
Since 2007, the Thunder Ride for Juvenile Diabetes has been able to contribute over $693,000 to families battling T1D at Mayo Health System and Emplify Health, formerly known as Gundersen Health System.
I check on these nearly every year and as of 2024 these were still quite accurate.
New sponsors, new riders, and more involved families affected by T1D, with some new day-of-event activities to come (stay tuned).
Emplify Health cares for 240 type 1 diabetic children in their pediatric department, with a total of 960 visits per year (as patients come every 3 months for follow-up appointments).
Mayo Health System treats about 100 patients under the age of 21.
So let’s ride. Let’s give. Let’s fight.
Together, we can turn the rumble of engines into a roar of hope—and maybe, just maybe, help these kids see a smoother road ahead.
