The Backhaul Direct Golf Outing is our largest annual philanthropic event– helping raise $100,000+ annually for Riley Children’s Foundation. A portion of the funds allowed us to name a red wagon in honor of Lee Johnson, a founding Backhauler who lost a hard-fought battle with brain cancer. The red wagons are used to take Riley patients to appointments throughout the hospital– helping families navigate the facility, while bringing a little joy to the kiddos during what can be a stressful and scary time.

     We are thrilled to announce that the Backhaul Direct 2024 Golf Outing raised $60,000 for the Riley Heart Center nursing support and recognition fund. Heart Center nurses are the familiar faces and constant presence for many families on the unit, providing excellent care, warm smiles, education about medicines and equipment, and connection to those who can provide care and knowledge. Because of the level of complexity in care and sheer number of patients, nursing support and education is essential to the function of the Heart Center. This initiative provides crucial funds to support nursing education, team support, professional development, and recognition for demanding work and long hours. It helps recognize and retain the best and brightest while keeping skills top-notch for new nurses.

     Dylan Murphy, COO, and his wife spent roughly six months in the Heart Center at Riley Children’s Hospital with their son Bryce when he was first born. He was born with a rare heart condition and has undergone two open heart surgeries at Riley under the care of Dr. Michael Johansen and Dr. Mark Turrentine. They have received overwhelming support from the entire Riley cardiology team, including Dr. Larry Markham, who would participate in many of Bryce’s care conferences and become a crucial asset to his long-term care. Through Bryce’s time in Riley, the Murphy family has developed close relationships with nurses, doctors, specialists, and especially other patients and their families. Supporting families like this is what Backhaul Cares is all about. We care about the families battling congenital heart disease and whose children may be born affected, tomorrow, next week, next year, and beyond. Backhaul Direct wants the Heart Center to have everything they need to give other families the same level of care and outcome that Bryce had at Riley.