DC-area Ride for Kids raises $141,000 Smiles warmed the day at the Sept. 23 Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Ride for Kids, which raised $141,893 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Ride for Kids stars Teodora, Ethan, Nicholas, Olivia, Paige, Shelby and Marilena were on hand for the area’s 21st annual event. They greeted the 500 participants at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Md., before leading a ride that featured distant views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Afterward, a neurosurgeon and researcher from Johns Hopkins Hospital told the riders that brain tumor research is stronger than ever, thanks to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. “Your efforts will come to bear in the next few years,” said Dr. Chetan Bettegowda. “You are the inspiration for us as we work our long hours in the lab and operating rooms.” Brain tumor survivors are another inspiration. “I stand here today, nine years after surgery, a master’s degree holder, aunt, sister, government employee and former brain tumor patient,” said Marilena. “I want to be here to give hope to the kids. We all need to pull together to give them that hope.” Fundraisers are the main source of that hope. Leading the way at the ride were: Individual: Bob Henig, $17,507 Motorcycle club/chapter: Horner Honda Riders Club, $10,120 Motorcycle business: Bob’s BMW, $30,751 Special organization: Team Ethan, $1,175 Bob Henig won a VT13CTC donated by American Honda. Other drawing prize winners were Pamila Higgs (AGV helmet); Gary Friend (Dunlop tire); Dianna Huffour (Tourmaster luggage); and Marcy Rich (Cardo Scala Rider). Volunteers organized the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. Ride for Kids, and they deserve the thanks for a job well done. This year’s task force leaders were Tom Chicca and Marcy Rich. Planning is already underway for the 2013 event on Sunday, Sept. 22. About the PBTF Ride for Kids Ride for Kids supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF), the world’s largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research. It also provides family support programs. We thank our presenting sponsor, Honda Riders Club of America, and our national insurance sponsor, GEICO. The next Ride for Kids event is in Las Vegas on Sunday, Sept. 30. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.