The Fire and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club, based in Devils Lake, has made a significant contribution of $11,008.70 to the Altru Autism Diagnostic Clinic in Grand Forks. This donation, presented on October 23, 2023, marks the largest the club has provided to the Altru Health System as part of its annual autism fundraising efforts.
The initiative to support the clinic began when a club member sought a diagnosis for his son. Upon discovering that the clinic operates entirely on donations, the motorcycle club set a goal to assist in its mission. “There is a need for it, and if we can help out in any way, we will,” stated Josh Bierman, treasurer of the Fire and Iron club.
Annual Commitment to Autism Awareness
This donation is part of an ongoing commitment from the club, which has made contributions to the clinic annually since its inception. Each year, members aim to increase the amount donated in conjunction with their charity ride. Members often allocate time from their firefighting duties to participate in this cause.
Established in 2013, the Altru Autism Diagnostic Clinic provides families with a centralized location for autism diagnosis, alleviating the need to travel to multiple facilities. “It has helped relieve some of the huge financial burden off families while also helping with the stigma around autism,” said Paige Thompson, a representative from Altru.
The donations directly benefit patients and their families, ensuring they are not financially responsible for diagnostic bills. As societal perceptions of autism evolve, the demand for these services has increased, making the contributions from local organizations even more crucial. Thompson noted, “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.”
Community Support for Autism Services
The Fire and Iron Firefighters Motorcycle Club is not alone in its efforts; the East Grand Forks Iron Pigs also contribute significantly to the clinic. “Two motorcycle clubs in the same area making donations to us. Who would have thought?” Thompson remarked, emphasizing the collaborative spirit within the community.
As the clinic continues to support families seeking diagnoses, the partnership with local organizations highlights a growing awareness and commitment to autism services. The ongoing financial support from the motorcycle clubs demonstrates a powerful community response to a critical need, reinforcing the importance of accessible autism care in the region.
