Ride for Kids® events in three metropolitan areas “” Seattle, Birmingham and Indianapolis “” brought in over $215,000 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) on Sept. 12. The rides attracted hundreds of motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and families of children with brain tumors. Puget Sound pumps it up Motorcyclists from around the Pacific Northwest have been riding for kids with brain tumors for 18 years, and this year they raised $112,770 for the cause. This was a 25 percent increase over the 2009 event. The crowd of 250 at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, Wash., was enthusiastic despite the rain showers. Leading the ride through the foothills of the Cascade Mountains was Geoff Myers of Bothell, Wash., on the Cycle World Project Honda “The Good Fight” by Roland Sands Design for Ride for Kids®. Myers won the custom bike in the PBTF’s annual drawing earlier this year. After the ride, everyone participated in the Celebration of Life program to hear more from 10 local brain tumor survivors: PBTF scholarship recipient Anthony, Allison, Skyler, Nick, Evie, Reese, Claire, Andrew, Xander and Eric. Sadly, some Ride for Kids® “stars” succumb to their illness, but they are not forgotten. Brandon’s mother thanked the riders for their efforts. “He had a great life that was cut short,” Kris said. “[But] your support and money you’ve raised gave me the greatest gift … seven more years with my son.” The crowd also heard from oncologist Bill Thomas of Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center and radio personality Ichabod Caine. Leading fundraisers were: * Individuals: Mick & Mary Rairdin, $12,318 * Club/Chapter: GWTA WA-C, $23,666 * Motorcycle Business: Everett Powersports, $35,443 Many thanks went to the all-volunteer Puget Sound Ride for Kids® task force for organizing a great event. This year’s leadership team was Ken Watson, Marie Chavez, Bob Langley, Mike Tennyson, and Mary Rairdin. Birmingham brings smiles at Barber Bright, sunny skies greeted the 465 participants at the ninth Birmingham Ride for Kids®, which raised $74,906 for the PBTF. Motorcyclists rode for seven local children this day “” Matt, Bayleigh, Karissa, Molly, Michael, Zack and Xavian. Several of these “stars” joined the ride from Barber Motorsports Park, one of the premier racetracks in the country and home of the world’s largest motorcycle museum. When the ride returned from a tour of the countryside, the participants were treated to a lap around the track, followed by the uplifting Celebration of Life program. Karissa’s mother, Laurie, told the riders that her daughter “is in a treatment program that only exists because of funding provided by people like all of you here today.” Those fundraisers were led by: * Individual: Phil Phillips, $7,400 * Club/Chapter: GWRRA AL-B, $14,615 * Motorcycle Business: Cycle World of Gadsden, $7,400 Ride for Kids® thanks Barber Motorsports Park and Honda of Alabama Manufacturing for their support of this event. The local organizing team was led this year by Bill and Joyce Smith, Richard and Sue Chapman, and Stacy Ashby. Indianapolis on the fast track Indianapolis motorcyclists got the ride of a lifetime at their event, which included a lap around the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 175 attendees contributed $27,781 for the PBTF’s medical research and family support programs. The morning was warm and sunny as the ride began at the Speedway. Seven local brain tumor survivors “” Hannah, Sara, Lillian, Emily, Lisa, Audrey and PBTF scholarship recipient Juliana “” joined the tour through the countryside and Eagle Creek Park. When the group returned for the Celebration of Life, they heard from the Ride for Kids® “stars,” their parents and medical professionals such as neurosurgeon Laurie Ackerman of Riley Hospital and oncologist Larry Bates of the St. Francis Medical Group. “Today you made this day shine for our children, and you give them and us hope for the future,” said Beth, mother of 4-year-old Lillian. The top fundraisers were: * Individuals: Rex & Kathy Harrold, $10,777 * Club/Chapter: GWRRA IN-E, $13,206 * Motorcycle Business: Anderson Powersports, $10,777 Members of the Indianapolis Ride for Kids® task force worked hard all year to make this event a success. These volunteers were led by Rex and Kathy Harrold, Steve Brown, Patsy Gibson and Stephen Kirkendoll. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® The national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The 2010 Ride for Kids® season continues on Sept. 19 with events in Philadelphia and St. Louis. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.