In a blur of leather and a scream of engines, dozens of bikers hit the road in support of a good cause on Sunday.

The Dawn Warden Support for Survivors Ride took place at Tap & Vine in Yankee Valley Crossing and the event is being hailed a success.

Warden herself was able to attend the event, despite a setback in her recent recovery.

"It happens in like 5 per cent of surgeries, so my tendon popped on my right hand. I've been home for about three days because I was in the hospital again for that," says Warden. "The surgeon told me that I'm probably not going to get all the feeling back. My hands are quite numb still, so I'm just going to have to get used to dealing with them like that. I'm going to have to go in for another surgery in a few more months to get scar tissue removed from the tendons."

Other than that, Warden says things have been coming along for her. She has moved into a new home in Airdrie and is getting settled again.

Warden spent several weeks in hospital following the brutal attack she survived in her Willowbrook Road apartment on the night of June 9.

The community in Airdrie and beyond has been rallying behind Warden in the wake of the incident.

Sunday's Support for Survivors Ride was the latest fundraiser held in her name and she says it was fantastic.

"This one was really important to me because I want to continue it every year, so the turnout was really important and it's just been awesome. We've definitely got plans for next year already," says Warden.

Nadene Wood, Warden's friend for more than 30 years, agrees.

"We hope to make it an annual thing, that would be pretty cool. And it's definitely what Dawn wants. Keep the support going for all the other survivors."

Wood helped plan and promote the Support for Survivors Ride and says she's thrilled with the turnout.

"People underestimate the biker community. A lot of people see bikers and they think (they are) bad people. But this community is so tight knit and they do so many good things for so many people," says Wood.

No word yet on exactly how much was raised at Sunday's event. Last month, $4,407 was raised at the 'Music Heals' fundraiser at Bambino's Neighbourhood Pub.

Meantime, a GoFundMe page started for Warden shortly after she was assaulted has now surpassed $17,000.

 

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