Los Angeles, Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids® events top $335,000 for PBTF Riders in southern California and central Tennessee combined to raise $335,036 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) on May 15. Celebrating 20 years in Los Angeles American Honda signed on as the presenting sponsor of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) Ride for Kids® 20 years ago. Los Angeles motorcyclists marked the anniversary by raising $227,315 for the PBTF. It was cool and rainy at Honda’s Torrance headquarters as the crowd of 600 supporters gathered, but the riders weren’t deterred. They hugged the Pacific coastline for miles before returning to honor 13 local brain tumor survivors. Dylan, Yverline, Grayson, Amanda, Hannah, Lisa, Bayleigh, Michelle, Marisa, Stephanie, Elise, Ethan and Tia shared their perspective on life with a brain tumor. Stephanie was diagnosed at 11. Now 19 and legally blind, she said, “You gain more than you lose. You gain a family through support of motorcyclists.” Dr. Anat Epstein, a researcher who also treats pediatric brain tumor patients at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, told the fundraisers that their efforts are resulting in new therapies. The leading fundraisers were: Individuals: Bill and Dianna Boyer, $22,900 Club/Chapter: Scotty’s Riders, $51,278 Motorcycle Business: Long Beach BMW, $25,882 Several lucky attendees won drawing prizes from Ride for Kids® sponsors: Jorge Estrada (Honda motorcycle); Rodrigo Urena (Dunlop tire); Ruth Gilliland (AGV helmet); Michael Davis (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Jason King (Cardo Scala Rider headset). Hardworking volunteers led by Brian Tinkler, Mike York, Louis Vanderveen, Jeniffer McMullen and Steve Squire made the Los Angeles Ride for Kids® a great success. Making a difference in Middle Tennessee The third Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids® posted a big win on May 15, with $107,721 raised for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF). Over 200 participants were there to support brain tumor survivors Jessica, Makenzie and Jack. These stars led the ride from Jim Warren Park in Franklin, traveling through the countryside and the Natchez Trace. When they returned for lunch, the riders heard from the kids, their parents, and Dr. Adam Esbenshade, a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Because of research, we have made many improvements in the use of targeted chemo and radiation doing much less damage than was done years ago,” Dr. Esbenshade said. “Things like this are only possible because of people like you raising much needed money to fund research.” The event recognized the leading fundraisers in three categories: Individuals: Diane and David Hutcheson, $7,677 Club/Chapter: Team Hardee’s $53,567 Motorcycle Business: Sloan’s Motorcycle, $29,817 Area Hardee’s Restaurants participated in a five-week fundraising campaign and many of their employees volunteered and rode in the event. Ride for Kids® sponsors provided drawing prizes that went to: Tere Kangas (Honda motorcycle); Catheryn Henning (Dunlop tire); Jesse Stafford (AGV helmet); Frank Wall (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Terry Price (Cardo Scala Rider headset). A multitude of volunteers worked tirelessly to organize the Middle Tennessee Ride for Kids®. This team was led by Otis and Tina Bishop, Diane and David Hutcheson, Jerry and Sharon Hamilton, and Anita and Jack Wheeler. 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 next Ride for Kids® event is in Tulsa, Okla., on May 22. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call