Beautiful weather coupled with enormous generosity made May 2 a great day for children with brain tumors. Motorcyclists at Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) Ride for Kids® events in Los Angeles and Raleigh raised $367,515 for research and family support. Stars shine in Los Angeles The 19th annual Los Angeles Ride for Kids® raised $252,780 in Torrance, where 1,200 people participated in the event at American Honda Motor Co. headquarters. Riders were treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along the route before returning to Honda to honor the 18 Ride for Kids® “stars” in attendance. These survivors included young children as well as four PBTF college scholarship recipients, Amanda, Bayleigh, Julia and Michelle. “My daughter was diagnosed 12 years ago and we are one of the lucky ones,” said Amanda’s dad, Michael. “You guys made this possible.” Dr. Anat Epstein of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles agreed, telling the motorcyclists that their efforts are helping researchers get closer to a cure. The leading fundraisers were: * Individuals: Anthony & Denise Weiner, $25,078, in memory of their daughter, Alexa. * Club/Chapter: Scotty’s Riders, $57,387 * Motorcycle Business: California Harley-Davidson, $30,137 Many thanks to the dedicated Los Angeles Ride for Kids® task force and their volunteers for organizing a terrific event. Riding for research in the Triangle Area Motorcyclists in North Carolina’s Research Triangle celebrated seven years of Ride for Kids® by raising $114,735. The ride began on a warm, sunny morning at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area outside of Raleigh, where the 825 participants included 10 brain tumor survivors. These children shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program after the ride. “Thank you for coming out, it is really a big help to us kids,” said 10-year-old Nicholas. Lt. Steven Maynor is one of the many local law enforcement officers who escort the ride. “The first Ride for Kids grabbed my heart, so we take our personal time off to be here. We look forward to it every year,” he said. The riders also heard from Dr. Robert Wechsler-Reya, a researcher at the PBTF Institute at Duke University. Another special guest was Bob Dumas of G105, home of the Bob’s Buddies radiothon. The top fundraisers were: * Individuals: Roland & Katelyn Cargill, $6,660 * Club/Chapter: Bayer Crop Science, $33,990 * Motorcycle Business: Triangle Cycles, $38,192 The Triangle Ride for Kids® task force members and other volunteers worked hard all year to make this event a great success. 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 2010 Ride for Kids® season continues in Franklin, Tenn., on May 16. For more information, go to ~http://www.rideforkids.org/~ or call 800-253-6530.