'Pony Express' stops in Sidney with message of hope

Carries letters encouraging mental health support to State House

SIDNEY -- A handful of motorcyclists arrived in Sidney this morning with a mission.

They stopped in Sidney as part of their journey to Lincoln and to the legislature with letters in support of children's mental health.

"We do this every year. We ride, basically, from border to border pretty much east and west. We do it specifically to raise awareness of children's mental health," said Robert Dennis.

He said it is a year-long event for a lot of people. He said there are so many children affected by mental health concerns, it needs to be talked about more and more.

"I personally have seven children, three of which have some mental health issues; one is autistic, which brings about challenges. I think it is important for people to know that this is out there, that there are so many services that can help not only the children, but their parents, too," Dennis said.

Dennis calls children's mental health a family affair. He encourages people to consider that when they see a child in a grocery store "acting a certain way" they may not be acting up; they may have a serious issue no one knows about.

The ride will continue west through North Platte and Kearney as riders make their way east. Historically, more riders join the event as the week progresses. 

While in Sidney, the riders stopped at PlainsWest CASA, Kids Korner and Here We Grow.