The seventh annual Louisiana Ride for Kids® raised $48,616 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation yesterday. Over 165 motorcyclists, brain tumor survivors, fundraisers and volunteers gathered at SLEMCO headquarters in Lafayette for the event on a gorgeous fall morning. The ride followed winding country roads through the bayous of Carencro, Opelousas, St. Landry and St. Martin parishes before returning to SLEMCO for the Celebration of Life. The stars of the day were Lily, Audrey, Darla and Brook. These brain tumor survivors talked movingly about their struggles and achievements. Two of them, Audrey and Darla, have received PBTF college scholarships. “I pray every day that you all keep doing what you do,” Darla said. “Things don’t stop after the surgery. If it wasn’t for you all there wouldn’t be anyone to support us.” The riders also heard from Dr. Ammar Morad, a pediatric oncologist at the Kids Specialty Center of Women’s and Children Hospital in Lafayette. The first-place fundraisers were: * Individuals: Charles and Anita Porche $10,493 * Chapter/Club: GWRRA LA-A $12,920 * Motorcycle Business: Southside Honda, $16,780 Brandy Dean of Opelousas, La., won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle. The Louisiana Ride for Kids® was organized by a great crew of volunteers, led this year by Bullet and Nancy McGee, Charles and Anita Porche, and James and Randy Pourteau. Mark your calendar now for next year’s ride, taking place on Oct. 24, 2010. 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. The 2009 Ride for Kids® season concludes next weekend with a ride in Sarasota, Fla., on Nov. 1. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.