In early 2023, veteran Scott Igo had a vision.
A vision to do something really special for veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.
A Navy veteran himself, Igo also suffers from PTSD.
He served for five years in the U.S. Navy on board the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln from 1993 to 1998.
During that time, he learned quickly how important brotherhood was and how important it was then, and is now, to support each other.
That's why he came up with the idea of a motorcycle ride to raise money for those who suffer from PTSD.
A motorcycle ride from Hell to Paradise because he says "having PTSD is like being in hell and all we want is to have it gone and be in paradise."
This past weekend, it all came to an end with over $30,000 raised as part of the Inaugural American Legion Riders Hell to Paradise PTSD Awareness Ride.
Riders from as far away as Arizona, departed Friday morning from Hell, MI (which is west of Ann Arbor, in Livington County) and took the back roads to Gaylord, MI where they spent the night.
Early Saturday morning, the hundreds of riders left Gaylord, crossed the Mackinac Bridge then met in Newberry joining another group of riders that ventured in from the western U.P.
From there, as promised, they ended up in Paradise, MI in northwest Chippewa County.
But they weren't done yet.
They had another 90-minute ride taking the back roads to Sault Ste. Marie where they arrived at the American Legion Post 3 just after 5 p.m. Saturday.
In many locations along the route, supporters lined the road and clapped, waved and held signs.
On their final leg from Paradise to Sault Ste. Marie, the bikers took M-123 to Curly Lewis Highway on their way to the American Legion Post 3.
At that intersection of M-123 and Curly Lewis Highway, two young boys proudly held up signs in support (see picture in gallery) saying "You make the world better" and "Thank you & ride safe."
Their mother, Katrina Dunlap, said she couldn't be more proud of them.
"We heard about the riders coming from Hell to Paradise for PTSD awareness and we knew we had to see them. We have family and friends who suffer from PTSD and as a first responder who sees traumatic events, I can relate to how important mental health is. The boys were excited to show their support to the riders and I hope they understood the impact their small sign of support had on so many people who were trying to make the world better for those who suffer from PTSD. Super proud of my boys," Dunlap said.
At the American Legion, two checks, each for $15,000 were presented to two non-profit organizations.
Bikes and Battle Buddies/Zero Duck 30 and Mission Six Service Dogs each received a check to help out veterans who suffer from PTSD.
"It's amazing that this happened. Everybody is a family here. I have met so many wonderful people and have heard all their stories. It's been an overwhelming experience. All these riders, all those who have donated, and those who stood out by the road along the route, I thank each and every one of you," Igo said.
When Igo was on stage talking about the success of the ride and thanking everyone, Igo mentioned that he plans on organizing a second PTSD run down the road. That, of course, after a couple of months of much-needed rest and relaxation, he said.
