The Ride for a Friend organizers and our dedicated volunteers are proud to introduce you to Camden Philips of Sudbury.
Camden was born on September 12, 2024, weighing just 4 lbs, 0.9 oz. His journey began long before his arrival; at 26 weeks pregnant, his parents, Kendra and Ryley, received the news that Camden was not moving as he should in the womb. They were referred to Mount Sinai in Toronto, where specialists suspected a diagnosis of Arthrogryposis—a rare condition characterized by multiple joint contractures and muscle weakness.
On September 12, following an emergency induction due to slowed growth, Camden entered the world fighting. He was immediately placed on a CPAP machine and admitted to the NICU, where doctors confirmed a diagnosis of Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (PIEZO2) and clubbed feet.
After three weeks in the NICU, Camden was discharged. However, his struggle was far from over. On October 24, 2024, while visiting family in Lindsay, Ontario, Camden suddenly stopped breathing. He was rushed to a local hospital and eventually transferred to SickKids in Toronto, where he spent nearly four months in intensive care. In January 2025, Camden finally returned to Sudbury, spending one final month in the local NICU before officially arriving home on February 11, 2025.
Because of the challenges Camden faced early on, he relies on a G-tube to ensure he receives the nutrition he needs. While he continues to face physical contractures in his hands, legs, and feet, Camden’s spirit remains unbroken. He is a joyful boy who loves Elmo, playing with blocks, and exploring the world around him. He has a smile that can light up a room and a level of determination that defies his small stature.
Camden is constantly fighting his own body to gain mobility, and he does so with incredible bravery. Our goal is to ensure Camden continues to thrive by providing him and his family with the necessary equipment and support systems to help him live as independently and successfully as possible.
Help us help Camden. Camden’s family and everyone at Ride for a Friend extend their deepest gratitude for your time, your heart, and your support.
The Ride for a Friend organizers and volunteers are actively looking for sponsors for our 12th Annual Charity Poker Run.
We are soliciting donations from local resident and area businesses for rider prizes as well as donations in the form of cash or service directly to the family. We would be delighted if you would consider making a donation to this worthy cause. All donor businesses will receive recognition at the event, on our website, our Facebook page and possibly in local media as we promote the event.
Your donations will be used for the sole benefit of the Ride for a Friend charitable recipient. However, our goal extends also to provide a fun-filled afternoon, camaraderie and enjoyment for participants all while stimulating a healthy economic impact for the region.
Saturday, August 15th, 2026
Poker Run General:
1. Ride for a Friend is a Poker Run. The objective of participants is to visit 5 to 6 checkpoints, drawing a playing card at each one. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run. Having the best hand and winning is purely a matter of chance. The event has a time limit (10am-2pm), however the individual participants are not timed.
2. This is not a parade ride. Riders complete the route at their own pace and in the sequence of their choice. Please view our interactive map to help decide what route you will take. There are 3 route ideas provided to get you started: The Short Run: 82km, 1hr ride; The Long Run: 179km, 2hr 14min ride; The Big Loop: 213km, 2hr 38min ride.
The Details:
1. The action all starts at 10am.
2. Riders can register and begin their run at any of the 6 checkpoints any time after 10am
3. $20 per hand. Riders or passengers may purchase multiple hands.
4. Poker Run Play Card must be submitted by 2pm at Dee Dee's Diner
Burnout pit, loudest exhaust, and field games
1. From 2pm to 4pm
2. Light up your back tire at our burn out pit
3. Rip the throttle against our db meter to claim the loudest exhaust
4. Compete in some classic field games or join as a spectator. Look for the signup table at Dee Dee's.
Playing your Hand:
1. You’ll draw 1 card at each of the check points. If you draw an identical card as one you are already scored for, the card will be void and you will draw again
2. Hands will be determined by the ‘Poker Run Score Card’ which you’ll receive at your first check point
3. You may purchase additional playing cards to improve your hand at DeeDee's when submitting your Score Card. Prior to drawing your additional card you’ll have to forfeit one card from your existing hand. A maximum of 2 additional cards may be purchased for $5 each.
Checkpoints:
1. French River Rest Stop @ French River Hwy 69 crossing
2. *Dee Dee's Diner @ 828 Hwy 64, Alban
3. Monetville Tavern and Lodge @ 53 Shanty Bay, Monetville
4. Lake Nipissing Narrows @ North of Monetville Hwy 64
5. The Lavigne Tavern @ Lavigne on Hwy 64
6. The RIV Chipstand @ 235 Main Street, Sturgeon Falls
*Final destination and hand submission point is Dee Dee's Diner in Alban.
View the Interactive Map
Entertainment:
Stay with us all night for food, liquid refreshments, our signature boat fire, and live music. Please drink responsibly and better yet - set up your tent and spend the night.
Musician TBA
Camping:
Join us at Dee Dee's Diner, where you can sent up your tents for FREE. Porta-John's are on site. Please see event staff for tenting locations.
Boozefighters MC is proud to announce our 2025 Ride for a Friend! This is a game, not a race, played out on the highways of Northeastern Ontario to raise money for local children in need. This is our 12th annual poker run and our event continues to be one of the best Northern Ontario has to offer. This year’s recipient will be the Camden Philips of Sudbury.
We do hope you'll join us for a great day of riding in support of Camden. The event will begin with registrations taking place at any of our Six "Checkpoints". Then you’re off to enjoy a scenic ride through the French River and West Nipissing areas along beautiful HWY 64. The run will conclude at DeeDee's Diner in Alban where participants will be entertained with live music and field games.
All makes and models of motorcycles, and all riders are welcome. In fact we don't care what you show up on as long as you've come with a positive attitude in support of Camden!
Join us on Facebook, RSVP the Event, and invite your friends!!
