Motorcycle engines revved to support burn victims

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Several riders revved up their motorcycle engines Saturday morning to honor, and give to and support a good cause.

The American Legion Post 104 in Terre Haute hosted a ride to benefit burn victims that would attend the Hoosier Burn Camp.

All the proceeds will act as financial aid for burn victims, like Carmen Schleppy, that want to attend the camp.

Carmen, now 8-years-old, survived severe burns more than a year ago, after her skirt caught on fire while she was trying to warm her hands near a fireplace.

• SCHLEPPY’S BURN STORY | Click here to view

After many extensive surgeries to mend as much of the burned skin as possible, doctors were successful at saving her life, but the scarring will act as a reminder for the rest of Carmen’s life.

The good news is: specialized camps, such as Hoosier Burn Camp, are there to support the many young burn victims in Indiana, by helping the children cope with their injuries, show them everyone is unique in their own way and allow the kids to be just that: kids.

• HOOSIER BURN CAMP | Click here to learn more

This year was Carmen’s first time attending HBC.  Carmen and her mother were there to wish the riders well, and send them off.

"This means the world to me that we are able to attend events like this because it goes to support kids like Carmen and other kids that go to the burn camp who really need that interaction with other kids that face the same obstacles they do," Colleen Schleppy said.

Carmen has been named the 2013 Riley Champion.

Saturday's event raised over $1,500.

Riders also enjoyed a spaghetti dinner and live music to celebrate the fundraiser.