Motorcyclists at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s third annual Albuquerque Ride for Kids® raised more than $87,000 to help find a cure for kids with brain tumors yesterday. Sunny Journal Pavilion was the meeting place for 475 riders, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families. The police-escorted ride toured the Land of Enchantment’s multi-colored deserts and mountains before returning to the Pavilion for the Celebration of Life program. Stars of the day Eight local kids were the Ride for Kids® “stars” for the event. From 5-year-old Anastacia to adult survivor Megan, they shared their inspiring stories with the fundraisers. Brandt, father of 9-year-old Merckx, expressed his family’s gratitude. “Because of all of you being here today, my son is alive,” he told the crowd. “We thank each and every one of you.” The medical community was represented by Dale Dietz, a social worker at the University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. Top fundraisers The event raised a total of $87,710. The top individual fundraisers were Debby and Dennis Forsythe of Farmington, N.M., who brought $14,004. On a bet, Debby had her head shaved the night before the event and donated her hair to “Locks for Love,” an organization that supplies wigs for cancer patients. Members of GWRRA NM-W turned in $29,253 to take top chapter/club honors, while the customers of Accessory Pit of Albuquerque brought $50,089 to make it the top motorcycle business. Ted Bates of Albuquerque won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle. Special thanks went to Albuquerque’s strong local task force, led by Rick and Lynda Howell, Ted and Kathy Bates, and visitation leader Jackie Cooke. Along with their event volunteers, they organized an unforgettable day for the kids. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® Since 1984, the national Ride for Kids® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) have promoted childhood brain tumor research and provided family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. With the help of America’s motorcycling community, the PBTF has become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. The 25th PBTF Ride for Kids® season continues on Sunday, April 27, 2008, in Houston. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.