Wayne motorcyclists help boy with serious medical needs

WAYNE – Nearly 300 riders converged Saturday for a motorcycle run in support of Jayden Singer, a 16-year-old boy who lives with the severe side effects of a streptococcus pneumoniae bacterial meningitis he contracted at the age of 3. 

Saturday's ride, now in its seventh year, drew riders from the American Legion Post 174 in Wayne, the Police Benevolent Association Local 286 and support from the Wayne police, said John Messenger, one of the organizers of the Legion. 

The 50-mile route began and ended at the Wayne American Legion building, snaking through Passaic and Sussex counties and into New York, Messenger said. 

When Jayden contracted bacterial meningitis in 2004, explained jaydensjourney.com, the side effects set in quickly, leading to strokes and vomiting.

At a visit to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center soon after the meningitis' onset, Jayden suffered two seizures, kidney and liver failure, right side paralysis and severe brain trauma.

After stabilizing, Jayden was sent to Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, and for years since has endured brain surgeries, suffering from severe seizures on a daily basis.    

Jayden's father, Andy, who was a detective at the Passaic County Sheriff's Department during the onset of the illness, retired early to take care of his son and wife.

"It’s very difficult, I’m retired, living off pension, working odds and ends," Andy said. "I can't really work a full-time job, it's so much with Jayden, in and out of the hospital."

Messenger said of Andy Singer: "He had to take an early retirement, help them with their medical bills that they are constantly involved with. It adds up." 

In 2010, Andy was contacted by former Passaic County Sheriff Jerry Speziale and PBA 286 about having the motorcycle run to benefit his family. 

Initially, the run started at the former Kosco Harley Davidson dealership on Route 23. "Then a few years ago, the American Legion Post in Wayne took it over," Andy said. "Every year it just grows and grows." 

This year during the kickoff, Andy and Jayden rode together at the front of the run in a three-wheeled, two-seater motorcycle called a slingshot.

Then on the way back, Jayden swapped with his 11-year-old sister, Dakota, to lead the drive to the end of the route. 

Jayden was clapping and "all smiles during the event," his father said. 

"He knows the day is about him, he knows everyone's there for him," Andy said.

Each year, all the money raised, $18,000 last year, goes toward the Singer family, former organizer Ed Shanley said. 

Money is raised through the ride itself, which is $20 per rider this year, as well as raffles, personal checks and donations from organizations. 

The final count on the number of participants and money raised is still unknown, Andy said, but the numbers are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.