Ohio Motorcyclist For Children

The OMC Family Ohio Motorcyclist For Children is a non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of our country’s most valuable resource, our children. As motorcyclists, we can change children’s lives, one ride at a time. By joining us and supporting our activities, you can help make a difference. Make a difference in the lives of people like the Miller family. The Miller Family Motorcycles have always figured prominently in the lives of the Miller family. Karen and Scott's two-wheeled odyssey began when they were married 21 years ago. Karen recalls, “We slept in tents and traveled across the country, seeing the sights and attending national rallies.” To date, their motorcycles have carried them through 40 states. This was the case until daughter Erica arrived in 1997. Thereafter, a more conventional life style was required, but the Millers certainly did not abandon their motorcycles. Scott says, “When she was quite young, Erica started riding a little Yamaha, a motorcycle that she still has but has pretty much out-grown.” He continues, “As for the bigger touring bikes, I set a rule that she could not ride with us until she was big enough to put her feet on the passenger pegs. One day I was in the driveway washing a bike, and I looked up and Erica was sitting comfortably on the seat, with her feet on the pegs. I though to myself, 'It's time.'” Erica was immediately taught all of the correct safety rules, and as she has grown her parents have kept her equipped with a proper helmet and correctly-fitted boots and protective riding gear. The Millers also use an intercom so they can communicate on the highway. Scott says, “I encourage Erica to talk about her ride and tell me what she is seeing. This way I can tell that she is still alert and not getting too tired.” Today, at the age of 12, Erica Miller has traveled by motorcycle in 12 states, an educational experience that many children do not have the opportunity to enjoy.	But life changed for the Millers when one day they noticed that Erica's right eye had begun to bulge. They took her to their local hospital emergency room where the doctor ordered a CT scan. When the scan revealed a small mass behind her eye, there was concern it could be cancer, and she was immediately referred to Nationwide Children's Hospital where additional testing was conducted. Erica had a rare tumor called an orbital lymphatic malformation, which was benign but dangerous. Correcting the condition through traditional surgery virtually guaranteed that her eyesight and possibly her brain function would be impaired. Her father says, “If we had not had access to Children's Hospital, Erica might have lost her sight in that eye,” and Karen adds, “Or worse!” At Nationwide Children's Hospital, the Millers met Dr. William Shiels, Chairman of the Department of Radiology. Shiels utilized an innovative ultrasound-guided procedure where tiny catheters were used to break up and destroy the tumor. It was a ground-breaking technique—applied first with Erica—that is now being used throughout the country and around the world. Thanks to Nationwide Children's Hospital and Dr. Shiels and his team, today Erica sees perfectly, with no scars or residual effects. She is an incredibly active 12-year-old who can't seem to get enough of life and learning. She is active in 4-H and Girl Scouts, plays the french horn and sews, rides motorcycles, and recently won Best of Class at the county fair in a 4-H shooting sports project. She loves historical re-enactments and hopes to someday become a teacher. Because of their dedication to motorcycling and Erica's unique story, the Millers have been chosen as our representative family for Ohio Motorcyclists for Children. They are one among thousands of motorcycling families across Ohio who have children, grandchildren, relatives, or friends who have benefited from the lifesaving care at Nationwide Children's Hospital. We are proud to have the Millers working with Ohio Motorcyclists for Children as we work to help improve the lives of children, one ride at a time.

The OMC Family

Ohio Motorcyclist For Children is a non-profit charity dedicated to taking care of our country’s most valuable resource, our children. As motorcyclists, we can change children’s lives, one ride at a time. By joining us and supporting our activities, you can help make a difference. Make a difference in the lives of people like the Miller family.

The Miller Family

Motorcycles have always figured prominently in the lives of the Miller family. Karen and Scott's two-wheeled odyssey began when they were married 21 years ago. Karen recalls, “We slept in tents and traveled across the country, seeing the sights and attending national rallies.” To date, their motorcycles have carried them through 40 states.

This was the case until daughter Erica arrived in 1997. Thereafter, a more conventional life style was required, but the Millers certainly did not abandon their motorcycles. Scott says, “When she was quite young, Erica started riding a little Yamaha, a motorcycle that she still has but has pretty much out-grown.” He continues, “As for the bigger touring bikes, I set a rule that she could not ride with us until she was big enough to put her feet on the passenger pegs. One day I was in the driveway washing a bike, and I looked up and Erica was sitting comfortably on the seat, with her feet on the pegs. I though to myself, 'It's time.'”

Erica was immediately taught all of the correct safety rules, and as she has grown her parents have kept her equipped with a proper helmet and correctly-fitted boots and protective riding gear. The Millers also use an intercom so they can communicate on the highway. Scott says, “I encourage Erica to talk about her ride and tell me what she is seeing. This way I can tell that she is still alert and not getting too tired.” Today, at the age of 12, Erica Miller has traveled by motorcycle in 12 states, an educational experience that many children do not have the opportunity to enjoy.