From a press release issued by Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation:

Anthony, a young brain tumor survivor, and his sister Savannah enjoy the 1st Annual Madison, WI Ride for Kids(r)

A fantastic day. That’s exactly how motorcyclists in Madison, WI described the 1st Annual Madison Ride for Kids(r) on Sunday, August 8th. Since 1984, the Ride for Kids(r) has been raising money to fund the research and family support programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The motorcyclists and fundraisers outdid themselves in this first time event by raising $51,005 for childhood brain tumor research.

As the 400 motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families arrived at Fireman’s Park in Middleton, WI, they were treated to freshly baked cinnamon rolls donated by a local bakery. The motorcyclists then headed out on a police-escorted ride through the rolling hills of northwest Madison. Their route took them past lakes, farmland and through Devil’s Lake State Park, providing breathtaking views of Devil’s Lake and adjacent rock cliffs.

The touching Celebration of Life program, under the “big top tent”, was enjoyed by all. Five young brain tumor survivors, including two Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation College Scholarship recipients, were in attendance. Thomas, a scholarship recipient, shared his excitement with the motorcyclists about his PBTF college scholarship. Dr. Benny Iskandar, Dr. Dianne Pucetti and Dr. John Sandin were also on hand to share with the riders the importance of funding childhood brain tumor research. Dr. Iskandar commented, “This is an incredible day. The treatment of brain tumors has advanced more than any other disease in the past ten years, largely as the result of the research funded by the motorcyclists through the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Three of my patients are here today.”

Pam and Randy Gulseth were the Top Individual Fundraisers with a total of $5,118. The Top Club was GWRRA Illinois Chapter G2 whose members raised $7,184. Following close behind was GWRRA Wisconsin Chapter F whose members raised $6,786. The Top Dealer was Racine Motor Sports whose customers raised $4,466. Pam Gulseth, of Two River, WI, was the winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Special thanks to Madison Ride for Kids(r) Task Force Leaders Joe Bentz, Mark Muhlenfeld and their extremely dedicated team of volunteers for a wonderful first year event.

The next Ride for Kids(r) event is on Sunday, August 15 in New England (North Oxford, MA)

For more information about the Ride for Kids(r) and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, please visit www.rideforkids.org or www.pbtfus.org or call (800) 253-6530.