Riders raise $115,979 in Missouri, New England Young brain tumor survivors in Missouri and Massachusetts had the time of their lives on Aug. 19 at two Ride for Kids events. Motorcyclists contributed $115,979 to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s medical research and family support programs. Stars shine in St. Louis Early morning mist gave way to sunshine as motorcyclists gathered at St. Charles Community College in Cottleville for the 11th St. Louis Ride for Kids, which raised $60,127 for the PBTF. The 350 participants included Izzy, Brian, Joshua, Daniel, James, Josh, Zach, Ashleigh, and Courtney. These young people were the stars of the event, and many of them led the ride through the countryside, with rolling hills and views of the Missouri River. The brain tumor survivors also inspired the crowd with their stories of hope. “Originally, 40 percent of my tumor was removed and I was given 18 months to live,” said Courtney, 21. “Here I am five years cancer free.” Added Dr. Joshua Rubin of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Siteman Cancer Center, “It was [Mike and Dianne] Traynor’s vision that got us doing things differently, and different is what is making survival possible for our patients.” The leading fundraisers were: Individuals: Andy Baum and the Mungenast Family, each $5,000 Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA MO-Z, $10,546 Motorcycle business: Niehaus Cycles, $25,926 Special organizaton: Brian Ott’s Bikers, $5,450 David Piel won a new Honda motorcycle. Other drawing prizes went to Anthony Stratman (AGV helmet); Marty Hall (Dunlop tire); Glen Bates (Tourmaster luggage); and John Voss (Cardo Scala Rider). The St. Louis Ride for Kids is a team effort, and this year’s volunteers were led by Greg Hoette, Norm and Angie Riekena, John and Lorrie Lehmann, Kristi Rozier, and Marty Hall. Mark your calendars now for the 2013 ride on Sunday, Aug. 18. New England celebrates 15 years New England motorcyclists have been riding for the PBTF for 15 years. This year they came from all over the region to Tantasqua High School in Fiskdale, Mass., with $55,852 in contributions. Their donations help young people like Gary, Kelly, Ryen, and Amanda, who led the picturesque ride through riverside villages and townships on a fall-like morning. Afterward, the riders heard from these stars, their parents, and a doctor who treats them. “We now think of children as survivors the minute they are diagnosed,” said Dr. Peter Manley, director of the Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Outcomes Clinic at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “That’s because of the research that you have helped fund.” The top fundraisers in New England were: Individual: David Odess, $18,445 Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA MA-F, $21,130 Motorcycle business: Venco Wings, $25,457 Special organization: New Salem General Store, $3,148 David Odess won the drawing for a Honda motorcycle. Other prize winners were Fredda Cole (AGV helmet); Vladimir Giterman (Dunlop tire); Michael Bartnowski (Tourmaster luggage); and Russell Emerson (Cardo Scala Rider). Volunteers deserve thanks for putting on a great event for the kids and participants alike. This year’s task force leaders were Shirley Dempsey, Katie Dempsey, David Odess, Ross Chapman and Vladimir Giterman. Ride with us next year on Sunday, Aug. 18. 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 events are on Sunday, Aug. 26 in Asheville, N.C., and Ann Arbor, Mich. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.