The 7th Annual Believing in Bentley’s Ride for Children’s of Mississippi, held Oct. 18-19 in Madden, Mississippi, raised a record $149,065 for the state’s only children’s hospital.
The event is held by the family and friends of Bentley Strickland of Union, a Children’s of Mississippi patient.
Born with Hurler Syndrome, Bentley lacks an enzyme needed to digest sugar. Undigested sugar molecules build up in the bodies of children with Hurler Syndrome, damaging the brain, heart and other organs. Hurler Syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type 1, can also result in joint stiffness and pain, impaired growth and vision and hearing loss.
The rare genetic condition, which occurs in about 40 U.S. births each year, can be treated with a bone marrow transplant, which enables the production of the missing enzyme. Bentley, now 10, had a bone marrow transplant in 2015. He’s also had more than 13 surgeries to help in his growth and mobility.
New to the event this year was a mule pull. The event also includes Cowboy Church and a silent auction featuring locally donated works of art and items.
Dr. Patrick Wright, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery and Bentley’s doctor, and his family make their way to the event every yearThe Wright family bid on a set of corn hole boards Saturday night that had Bentley’s yearly design drawn on it and won the bid. They always make time to come to support the effort.
“Bentley has had and continues to have medical challenges, but he never complains and seems to take life as it comes,” Wright said. “He is a special young man with a wonderful family.”
To show their appreciation and support of Children’s of Mississippi, Bentley’s family and friends started the ride as a fundraiser. The ride attracted 55 wagons and more than 300 riders this year. Riders from throughout Mississippi and other states come to the event each year, which is held on land owned by Jamey Johnson.
“We’re so thankful to the Johnson family, volunteers and for the many supporters who make this ride possible each year,” said Bentley’s mother, Cindy Strickland. “The growth of this ride shows the love the community has for Bentley and the other children that have to use the hospital.”
