Hundreds gather for “Wheels of Hope” ride honoring Oren Stephenson

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The intersection of North Belt Highway and Cook Road was a little congested Sunday afternoon, but for a good cause.

The parking lot at Green Valley Baptist Church was filled with hundreds of motorcycles, classic cars, trucks, and Jeeps on Sunday as the community came together for a benefit ride honoring 6-year-old Oren Stephenson, affectionally known as "Little "O" Man," who recently passed after a battle with stage 4 liver cancer.

The event, titled "Wheels of Hope," drew in hundreds of supporters to celebrate the young boy's life and support his family, as well as pay tribute to his love of "anything with wheels."

For Marsha Dreher, a biker of 45 years and rider with American Riders, the massive turnout was a testament to the biker community's commitment to supporting those in need.

"A lot of people say bikers are bad and all this, but look around you. They're all here for a child," Dreher said. "We all come together when somebody is in need. We got to take care of our old people and our young people."

Dreher, who lives just south of Plattsburg, made the drive to St. Joseph to show her support.

Though she never had the opportunity to meet Oren personally, she emphasized the importance of honoring his legacy.

"He was a kid that got things taken away from him far too soon. He didn't get to live the life that we've all been able to live. But I'm sure he's looking down on us, and he's happy as can be."

As a hospice worker, Dreher sees the impact of loss firsthand.

"We're here for support for each other because we don't know what everybody's going through," she said. "We show up, turn out, make sure everybody's taken care of. We're a big family, and we take care of each other. That's what we do."

Brian Weed, another attendee who had personally met Oren and part of the group Bikers for Christ, described the young boy's impact as immeasurable.

"A person's life is not measured by length of time. It's measured by the impact and the touches that they've made," Weed said. "This little guy, in six years, has done amazing outreach and affected hundreds, if not thousands, of lives."

Weed, who has been riding for just over a year, said he had never seen a turnout to this extent.

He noted that Oren's story does not end with his passing.

"Death is not an end for people, but it's a beginning," Weed said. "The hope that Oren has given us through this is that there's something after that death time."

The ride also served as an opportunity to support Oren's family, the Stephensons, who adopted him.

"One of the things they said is that he may not have been birthed to them, but they were created by God for each other," Weed shared. "That love and care that they afforded this young man gave him a quality life in six years that most people don't get their entire life."

Weed also highlighted Oren's love for Hot Wheels cars and encouraged others to support families in crisis by donating items like stuffed animals or Hot Wheels to hospitals.

"Anything you can do to help out families in a crisis like this can help out," he said.

The event was not only a fundraiser to assist with medical bills and family expenses but also a celebration of Oren's life and a reminder to find joy in the little things.

"Oren taught us that there is happiness in life no matter what you're going through," Weed reflected. "He found joy in little Hot Wheel cars. We find joy in our family around us."

To support the Stephensons, you can go here.