Ride for Kids® events in Kansas City and Northern Indiana bring in over $119,000 for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® Motorcyclists at Ride for Kids® events in South Bend, Ind., and Overland Park, Kan., joined forces to raise $119,652 yesterday for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®. Stars shine in South Bend Riders in northern Indiana enjoyed blue skies and a light breeze as they gathered at South Bend’s Pinhook Park on July 10. The crowd of 350 raised $69,555 to support brain tumor survivors like Hanna, Lucas, Lindy, Libby, Jennifer, Corey, Jon, Karyn and Daniel. Many of these Ride for Kids® “stars” joined the ride through rural farmland and later shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program. Participants also heard from Cathy Reese, a nurse practitioner with Memorial Children’s Hospital, and from the mother of a 6-year-old brain tumor patient. “Carrie could not be here today because she is home from the hospital and on a ventilator,” Katrina told them. “She wasn’t supposed to make it this long, but because of all of your support, she is a fighter and she is hanging in there. When I told her I was coming here today, she smiled.” Other special guests included Lyn Coleman representing Mayor Luecke’s office, radio personality Cody Austin from B100, Miss Indiana 2011 Jackie Jerlecki, Miss South Bend 2011 Leanna Ross, and Miss Hoosier Heartland 2011 Rachael Bazzell. The event’s top fundraisers were: “¢ Individuals: E.J. & Georgia Ford, $15,186 “¢ Club/Chapter: ABATE Region #2, $20,352 “¢ Motorcycle Business: B&E Honda, $15,996 Drawing prizes went to Robert Speybroeck (Honda motorcycle), Greg Koliboski (Dunlop tire), Bill Glover (AGV helmet), Amy Barrett (Cardo Systems headset) and Wolfgang Gless (Tourmaster luggage). Bobby Newman, E.J. and Georgia Ford, and John Zepik led this year’s volunteer task force. Next year’s ride is scheduled for Sunday, July 8, 2012, in South Bend. Kansas City rides for a reason Riders in Kansas City posted a big win for the kids yesterday, bringing $50,097 in contributions for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation®. This was a 28 percent increase over last year’s results. Temperatures and spirits were high as the 235 participants met at Johnson County Community College in Overland Park. The “stars” of the day were the inspiring brain tumor survivors who led the ride: Collins, Ben, J.T., Carter, Noah, Elizabeth, Jake, Dorene, Isabella, and Santos. The group rode through Heritage Park, then past beautiful horse farms, historic homesteads and cornfields before skirting Lake Olathe. When the ride was over, the crowd heard from many of the stars, the mother of a patient, and Dr. Ram Kalpatthi, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Mercy Hospital. They also received words of encouragement from a local radio personality. “Let’s ride until we find the cure and don’t have to ride for this cause anymore,” said Slacker, who hosts the area’s No. 1 morning show at 101 The Fox. The event’s leading fundraisers were: “¢ Individuals: Gary & Mary Droege, $6,907 “¢ Club/Chapter: Motorcycle Touring Assn. MO-1, $6,304 “¢ Motorcycle Business: Engle Motors, $10,677 The lucky drawing prize winners were: Ruth Vogt (Honda motorcycle); Larry Schwartz (Dunlop tire); Julie McElhiney (AGV helmet); and Frank Rove (Cardo Systems headset). Jeff Griswold and Darren Marshall organized this year’s ride with the help of many dedicated volunteers. We invite you to join the next Kansas City Ride for Kids® on Sunday, July 29, 2012. About the PBTF Ride for Kids® Ride for Kids® supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) by funding medical research and 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, July 17 in Elgin, Ill., White Bear Lake, Minn., and Utica, N.Y. Learn more at www.rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.