Christmas has taken on a whole new meaning to the Ballantyne family of Bristol Township.
Scores of motorcycles and more than a dozen fire trucks made a special trip to make Christmas a little brighter for Levittown firefighter Brock Ballantyne, who is recovering from serious health complications related to Type 1 Diabetes at only 39 years old.
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Several motorcycle clubs, mostly made of first responders, rolled up to the Ballantyne’s house in Indian Creek Sunday afternoon to deliver gift cards, delicious treats, gifts for their kids, checks and support for the family, which includes two teenagers.
“The family just needs to get over this hump and we wanted to help,” said Jacqci Redner, the Pennsbury School Board member who has worked with her husband and others to organize the motorcycle run for the past four holiday seasons. “We wanted to help them pay the bills, help the kids get gifts.”
The large showing of support meant the world to the Ballantyne family.
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“Very loving,caring and supportive people who we are so grateful to call our friends. The two words to sum them up: absolutely amazing!” Brock Ballantyne’s wife Christine told LevittownNow.com.
Redner said she was touched when the Ballantyne’s presented her with a small gift in memory of her son George Redner III, who the motorcycle run was named in honor of after his death earlier this year.
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“This was supposed to be about them,” Redner said. “It was so kind.”
Organizers said the whole point of the event is to help out those in need with the hope the families who get help will pay it back.
The family who was helped last year by the motorcycle run made the trip from Delaware to help pay it back and present gifts to the Ballantynes.
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The event was sponsored by the Fire and Iron Station 139 motorcycle club with support from the Red Knights from Levittown and New Jersey, the Bucks County Hellraisers and The Unwanted.
For Christine Ballantyne and her family, this Christmas will be one they will never forget.
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“To all the fireman, it’s one big great brotherhood and we are blessed and grateful to be apart of that family”
