Illinois Patriot Guard Comes To Darien For Resident's Motorcycle Sidecar Ride

DARIEN, IL — Darien resident Emma Tucker, age 14, loves her dad's motorcycle. However, Emma is in a wheelchair, and has major medical issues. Her father, Charlie, said Emma received a heart transplant in 2005, at age 2 and a half, but unfortunately her health has taken a turn for the worse. The family recently put out a call for a motorcycle with a sidecar, so Emma could get her motorcycle ride.

"She is not doing very well and her mother and I have made final arrangements for her," Charlie said. Charlie is a member of the Illinois Patriot Guard, and the guard leader for the Chicago region put out a request for the family for a motorcycle with a sidecar for Emma.

The motorcycle ride was held Sunday, Sept. 17, and motorcyclists from all over the region, from as far as Indiana, rode to Darien for Emma's ride.

"We don't know how much time she has left, few weeks/months, but she will get her motorcycle ride," Charlie said before the event.

Riders met up in front of Q's Bar & Grill parking lot, and rode to Charlie's house in Darien. The ride only lasted 30 minutes, and Emma got to ride around the town.

"Emma loved the ride," Charlie said. "Her sister Sydney sat on the motorcycle right next to her and she had a blast."

Emma loves SpongeBob SquarePants, and so SpongeBob showed up with a Darien Police escort. The DuPage County Sheriff's Office did the full ride with Emma and the Illinois Patriot Guard as well.

According to its website, the Illinois Patriot Guard ensures dignity and respect at memorial services honoring fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.

Photos provided.