From a press release issued by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.

Motorcyclists, undaunted by the weekend’s turbulent weather courtesy of Hurricane Ivan, came out in full-force, under picture-perfect blue skies, on Sunday, September 19th to celebrate the 13th Annual Columbia Ride for Kids(r). With a spectacular early fall day as a backdrop, 1000 motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families were thrilled to learn that they had raised $200,000 for childhood brain tumor research. Since 1984, the Ride for Kids(r) program has been raising funds for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.

After enjoying a scenic police-escorted ride through Maryland’s rolling countryside, the motorcyclists gathered for the moving Celebration of Life program under the festive “big-top” tent. An amazing thirteen young brain tumor survivors, also known on this day as Ride for Kids(r) “stars”, gathered on-stage with National Ride for Kids(r) Director Allen Hughes. 14-year old Danielle, a Ride for Kids(r) “star” remarked, “I cried when I saw all the motorcycles and all the police that stopped the traffic so we did not have to stop.” Jeremy, a Ride for Kids(r) “star” and recent PBTF college scholarship recipient received cheers from the audience when he said he wanted to study law enforcement. He also told the motorcyclists, “The Ride for Kids and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation make a lot of things possible for all of us.” Dr. Jeremy Riggins, a brain tumor researcher, was on hand to talk about the importance of funding pediatric brain tumor research.

Bob Henig was named the Top Individual Fundraiser, with a total of $15,395. The Top Club was Team-Ethan whose members raised $13,307. Close behind the Top Club was the Manassas Honda Rider’s Club whose members raised $12,334. Bob’s BMW, whose customers raised $38,995, was the Top Dealer. Lou Mitchell of Dale City, Virginia was the winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Thanks to Columbia Ride for Kids(r) Task Force Leaders Jackie Cookie, Howard DePue, Bob Henig and their fantastic volunteer team for a great event.


On a perfect day just made for a motorcycle ride, the 4th Annual St. Louis Ride for Kids(r) was also held on Sunday, September 19th. With stunning sunny skies overhead, 650 motorcyclists, fundraisers, volunteers and patient families celebrated the fact that they had raised $87,702 for childhood brain tumor research.

Embarking on a police-escorted motorcycle ride, the riders enjoyed a route with scenic countryside, complete with flowing turns. After the ride, the participants gathered under the “big-top tent” for the always touching Celebration of Life program. With four young brain tumor survivors, also known as Ride for Kids(r) “stars”, on-stage, National Ride for Kids(r) Manager Richard Thompson enjoyed his job interviewing each of them. Brian, aged five, told the motorcyclists that he loved the St. Louis Cardinals and has even gotten an autographed baseball, glove and jersey from one of his favorite players. Ashley, who is 17, told the audience she liked driving her dad’s red car. Debbie, the mother of six-year old Zach, remarked to the motorcyclists, “Seeing all of you at the Ride for Kids is proof of your commitment to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors.” Carol MacPherson, a clinical researcher, talked to the participants about the importance of the funds they raised.

Guy and Margie Miller earned the Top Individual Fundraiser position by raising $5,365. The Top Club was Road Riders for Jesus whose members raised $16,338. The Top Dealer went to Niehaus Cycle Sales whose customers raised $30,478. Norm Riekena of St. Peters, MO was the winner of a brand new Honda motorcycle donated by the American Honda Motor Company.

Special thanks to St. Louis Ride for Kids(r) Task Force Leaders Guy and Margie Miller, Greg and Mary Hoette and their super volunteer force for a wonderful event.

The next Ride for Kids(r) event is on Sunday, September 26 in Birmingham, Alabama.


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 by calling (800) 253-6530.