Patients encouraged to know differences between E.R., Urgent Care

{Photographed is Lynn Hall (left), Rex Bowlin (center), and Anita Bowlin (right)}

Every year, the SOMC Hospice Memorial Ride brings together riders from across the region for a day of camaraderie, remembrance, and support of the SOMC Hospice Caritas Fund. This year, one rider made sure his name was finally on the roster: Rex Bowlin.

Rex and his wife, Anita, made the trip all the way from Indiana to take part in the ride. Their journey was inspired by a simple conversation with his niece, Lynn Hall. Lynn has been an admissions nurse at SOMC Hospice since 1999 and has been involved in every single ride since its start. For years, she told her uncle about the event. This year, Rex finally said: “What’s the date of the ride? I will be there.”

It wasn’t just another ride for Rex. It was something he had on his bucket list. And for a man who has already lived a life full of stories, that says a lot. He started riding motorcycles back in 1966, zipping back and forth from the airbase while serving in the military. Later, as a deputy sheriff, he traded in long highway rides for something a little more official, riding with the department and even escorting presidents. (Yes, presidents.)

So what drew him to southern Ohio? According to Rex, it’s the chance to cruise the winding countryside and backroads of the area, all while supporting a cause that means so much to his family. And true to his adventurous spirit, it didn’t hurt that just recently, Rex found himself on national TV at a NASCAR race. If you’re going to check things off a bucket list, why not do it in style?

Rex’s story is a reminder that the SOMC Hospice Memorial Ride isn’t just a local event. It’s something that touches people far beyond our community. Riders from near and far come not only for the thrill of the open road but also for the opportunity to give back to hospice care through the Caritas Fund.

As Rex himself proved, whether you’ve been riding since the ’60s or you’re new to the road, this event is about more than motorcycles. It’s about family, legacy, and supporting a cause that brings comfort when it’s needed most.

Learn more about how you can support the Caritas Fund at https://www.somc.org/support-us/development-foundation-funds/