Supporters Rally to Ride for Juliana

"You don't think about all of the things that happen to other people until it happens to you," said Don Barnes.

The statement became reality for Barnes and his family two years ago when his stepdaughter, Juliana Ramos, was involved in a life-threatening car accident. Ramos—just months before she was to marry fiancé and former American Idol contestant Chris Medina.

Two years later, Ramos is still in recovery and her wedding is on hold. Barnes says that while her speech is better, she still requires constant care and assistance in re-learning daily, basic tasks.

"She has good and bad days, like all of us," said Barnes.

He hopes one of those good days will hopefully be Saturday, June 18, for the Ride for Juliana fundraiser, which will take place at 7385 Burr Street in Schererville, IN, beginning at 11 a.m. The fun starts at 9 a.m., the first ride leaves at 12 p.m., and the group will return to the starting point and party until 10 p.m.

"It's open to two-, three-, four-wheel riders, including cars. Even if you have a special 1957 Chevy, you're welcome to ride," Barnes says. 

Each person is required to pay a $20 registration fee, and T-shirts will be sold, with proceeds from both going to the foundation set up for Ramos' recovery. Some of Ramos' medical procedures are not covered by insurance, such as her hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber sessions, which average $8,000 for 40 sessions. Ramos will be at the Post from 3–6 p.m. There will be food, raffles and a performance by Little Johnny.

With a rush of publicity from Chris Medina's stint on American Idol this past season, contributions have trickled in from far and wide. Medina, who is wrapping up a tour in Norway where his single is topping charts, will not be able to attend the event.

"These are genuine people—most of them don't even know us. It's been overwhelming for our family," said Barnes.

There has been a fundraiser every month for Ramos since February, he added. Russ Gibson, coordinator of the June 18 event, has known Ramos and her family for most of her life, and is dedicated to contributing to her medical costs.

"We have a nice, close bond with the family," Gibson said.

It is available on Amazon.com, and is coming soon to Kindle. She is working on the second book, which will cover the second year.

"The accident changed our lives. It took a total 180. This gives us hope and faith that there are good people out there," Barnes said. "It makes us focus on being better people."