The Fire and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club, based in Devils Lake, has made a significant contribution to the Altru Autism Diagnostic Clinic, donating a total of $11,008.70 on Monday, October 16, 2023. This donation, made in front of the Altru Performance Center in Grand Forks, marks the largest contribution the club has made to the Altru Health System as part of its annual autism run.
The club’s involvement with the clinic began when a member sought a diagnosis for his son. Upon discovering that the clinic operates solely through donations, the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club committed to supporting the facility. Josh Bierman, treasurer of the club, expressed the group’s dedication, stating, “There is a need for it, and if we can help out in any way, we will.”
Annual Donations Make a Lasting Impact
The annual donation has become a tradition for the club, coinciding with their yearly motorcycle ride. Each year, the members strive to make their contributions more substantial than the last. The effort is particularly notable as it involves firefighters taking time away from their duties to participate in this charitable endeavor.
Since its inception in 2013, the Altru Autism Diagnostic Clinic has worked to assist families in navigating the often complex and expensive process of obtaining an autism diagnosis. Previously, families were required to visit multiple facilities for different tests, adding to their financial and emotional burdens. The clinic provides a centralized location for assessments, which has greatly streamlined the process.
According to Paige Thompson from Altru, “It has helped relieve some of the huge financial burden off families while also helping with the stigma around autism.” The donations are directed specifically to patients and their families, ensuring that they do not face additional financial strain from medical bills.
Growing Recognition and Support
As awareness of autism has increased, so too has the demand for services at the clinic. Thompson noted that the stigma surrounding autism is gradually diminishing, making the need for support even more critical. “Since I have started, we have seen a lot of growth in many ways with how the diagnostic clinic is handled and just how comfortable people are with not having to go all the way to Sioux Falls,” she said.
The Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club is not alone in its commitment to the clinic. The East Grand Forks Iron Pigs motorcycle club has also contributed significantly to the cause. Thompson remarked, “Two motorcycle clubs in the same area making donations to us. Who would have thought?” This collaboration among local groups underscores a community-wide effort to support families affected by autism.
The ongoing support from these motorcycle clubs highlights the importance of community involvement in addressing critical health issues. With their combined efforts, they are not only providing financial assistance but also fostering a more inclusive understanding of autism within the broader community.