Motorcyclists from the metropolitan Baltimore/Washington area came out in full force for kids with brain tumors yesterday. Five hundred Ride for Kids® participants contributed more than $180,000 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s (PBTF) medical research and family support programs. The excitement started building at dawn as riders on all makes and models pulled into the parking lot at The Mall in Columbia, Md. At 9:30 sharp, the bikes formed a breathtaking column behind their police escort, taking the scenic route through rural Howard county. By the time the ride reached the end point at Lincoln Technical Institute, participants were primed for the inspiring Celebration of Life program, which starred 10 local brain tumor survivors. Ethan, 7, said he’s trying to be the fastest runner in his class, while 18-year-old Katelyn is working as a firefighter. “This is where my heart is. I will do this forever. It gives quality of life to families,” said Marcy, mother of 16-year-old brain tumor survivor Danielle. The crowd also heard from Johns Hopkins researcher Dr. Gregory Riggins, who said that PBTF funding is improving the quality and effectiveness of various treatments. The 15th annual event raised a total of $180,380. The top individual fundraiser was Bob Henig of Columbia, who brought $12,373. The top club was Manassas Honda Rider’s Club, whose members raised $16,499, while the customers of Bob’s BMW of Jessup turned in $31,399 to make it the top motorcycle business. Edwards Holliday of Columbia won the drawing for a brand-new Honda motorcycle. Special thanks went to Baltimore/Washington task force leaders Kevin and Christine Merrill, Rene Hernandez, Roy Carpenter and Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, the hardworking volunteer task force and event volunteers, for organizing a marvelous event. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® Since 1984, the national Ride for Kids® program and 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 motorcyclists and motorcycle dealers, PBTF has become the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. The next PBTF Ride for Kids® events are Sunday, Oct. 1 in Las Vegas and Sacramento. For more information, go to www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.