Event Will Benefit Local Girl

Amijah Cowden is not an ordinary 6-year-old. Nicknamed Lil' Diva, Amijah is what her mom calls a "ride or die." "That means she will be there no matter what you need," said Ashley Mahoney, Amijah's mother.

Amijah is also unusual because she has a rare disease called chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO), which attacks her bones. One of fewer than 500 people in the world with CRMO, Amijah, who was diagnosed in June, will need monthly infusions at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to help keep her bones from becoming damaged, deformed, or broken. While CRMO can go into remission, Amijah expects to fight the rest of her life to avoid becoming disabled.

To help alleviate the costs of Amijah's care, a benefit motorcycle ride dubbed Lil' Diva's First Annual CRMO Awareness Benefit Ryde will be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Elks Lodge 1933, 170 Akron Road, Ephrata. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. Kickstands will go up at 10 a.m., and festivities will begin around 1 p.m. Tickets, which are necessary to attend, will be discounted through Saturday, Sept. 24.

Amijah was diagnosed at Hershey Medical Center after experiencing back pain. "She was inconsolable," said Ashley, who tried warm baths to alleviate her daughter's discomfort. "There was nothing I could do." Amijah's primary care physician took X-rays. "They thought she had a fracture in her lower back," said Ashley, who asked for more testing. Amijah was sent to Hershey, where lesions were found on her back and legs. Since then, Amijah has had two MRIs, and she will be going to Iowa to visit the only CRMO specialist in the U.S. "Infusions and treatments will give her a chance to live a more normal life," said Ashley, who noted she is working to form a nonprofit organization to raise funds for other children who need CRMO treatment. "This is so rare," said Ashley. "Every year, we plan to do a ride, but it may be (to raise funds) for another child. We are trying to help the families who need (help) with expenses."

The planned motorcycle ride will take a scenic route. "It's prettier with the fall foliage coming out," said Ashley, who noted Amijah enjoys the beauty of nature. "She likes pretty stuff. She will point out a pretty sunset to me," said Ashley. Part of the ride will be a stop at The Udder Choice in Ephrata. "We will have a little surprise for her during the ride," said Ashley. "Udder Choice will open up for us to come for ice cream." Ashley said that Amijah and her brother will arrive in separate cars donated by BDR Automotive of New Holland, where they will meet up with the motorcyclists. Back at the Elks Lodge following the ride, a meal at the pavilion will include hot dogs, broasted chicken from Bright's restaurant, chips, salad, and baked beans.

More information about the event may be found by searching for "Lil' Diva's CRMO Journey and Awareness" on Facebook. To purchase tickets, call or text 717-208-0082 or send a message through Facebook.