From a press release issued by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation:

Adam and Tabitha, both brain tumor survivors, enjoyed the 2004 Atlanta Ride for Kids(r)

Spending time with family and good friends is what the summer is all about. Add a scenic, police-escorted motorcycle ride to that, and the day gets even better. And when that Ride is to raise money for pediatric brain tumor research, it just can’t get any better!

On Sunday, June 7, 2004, over 1800 motorcyclists, volunteers, fundraisers, patient families and researchers came together to celebrate the 21st Annual Atlanta Ride for Kids(r). With the bright Georgia summer sun shining down on them, the riders enjoyed a leisurely journey through the North Georgia mountains before arriving at the destination point. There, under the festive “Big Top Tent”, the grand total of the day, $267,717, was announced, prompting a roar of approval from the crowd. Since 1984, the Ride for Kids(r) program has raised funds to support the research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Today, more children die from brain tumors than from any other childhood cancer.

Twelve effervescent young brain tumor survivors celebrated the exciting day with the motorcyclists. Dr. Timothy Mapstone, an Atlanta neurosurgeon, commented, “For the first time in my twenty-five plus years of research, I believe that there is a possibility that I will see children being cured of brain tumors without me having to do surgery. Hopefully, the researchers will work me out of a job.” Other physicians and researchers in attendance included Dr. Claire Mazewski and the research staff of Dr. Erwin Van Meir. Another highlight of the day was Major Richard Davis and the 104 members Fulton County Sheriff’s Reserve who escorted the motorcyclists through North Georgia.

Tommy Smith, who raised $25,485, was the Top Individual Fundraiser. The Top Club honor went to GWRRA GA Chapter T whose members raised $48,135. The customers of Gary’s Hobbie Shop helped them capture the Top Shop honor by raising $50,077. The Top Dealer position went to Cycle World of Athens whose patrons raised $13,553. Tommy Smith, of Woodstock, GA, was the lucky winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle, generously donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Special thanks to Atlanta Co-Task Force Leaders Jim and Nona Unversaw and Tommy and Connie Smith and their hardworking team of volunteers for a great event!


Keaton, a young brain tumor survivor, had a ball at the 2004 Richmond Ride for Kids(r)

While the Atlanta Ride for Kids(r) was taking place, a couple of states to the north, the 2nd Annual Richmond Ride for Kids(r) was also underway. With slightly cooler weather than their friends in Georgia, the 520 motorcyclists, volunteers, fundraisers, researchers and patient families worked extra hard, in just its second year, to bring in $94,069 – a Richmond Ride for Kids(r) record – for childhood brain tumor research.

After a police-escorted ride under bright, clear blue skies through the scenic Virginia countryside, the participants gathered for the special Celebration of Life program. There, eight courageous young brain tumor survivors expressed their thanks and gratitude to the riders and fundraisers. As she thrust her arm skyward, brain tumor survivor Tiffany remarked, “The worst thing that can happen to a child or teenager is being diagnosed with a brain tumor. We are true survivors!” Dr. Theodore Chung, a radiation oncologist, and Dr. Helen Fillmore, an assistant professor in neurosurgery, were also in attendance.

Chris and Kathy Cooper were the Top Individual Fundraisers with a total of $11,370. The Top Club honor went to the Richmond Riders whose members brought $19,987. Cycle Connection of Virginia earned the Top Dealer spot with its customers donating $19,320. Kathy Straughn of Ashland, Virginia had a big day by winning the grand prize which was a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Kudos and thanks go to Richmond Ride for Kids(r) Co-Task Force Leaders Mike Seibert and Kerry Abrams and their dedicated volunteer team for a successful Ride for Kids(r) event.

The next Ride for Kids(r) events take place on Sunday, June 13 in Kansas City, MO and in Southern California (Dual Sport event). For more information, please call (800) 253-6530 or visit www.rideforkids.org