Motorcyclists’ hearts are as big as the Lone Star State—just ask any of the 13 young brain tumor survivors who attended April 29th’s Houston Ride for Kids®. The ride marked the 20th year for the Houston Ride for Kids®. Riders raised a total of $321,675 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF).
Hundreds of bikes left the Humble Civic Center on a warm morning with many of those survivors in the lead. After passing farms and woodlands, the 660 participants learned more about their reasons for riding: Ava, Calvin, Dylan, Ethan, Garrett, Jake, Josh, Javier, Kaitlyn, Leon, Michael A., Michael G., and Nick.
Six-year-old Ava said she tells people she’s a miracle when they ask her about herself. Added Michael G., 16, “It’s hard on us kids, but harder on our families.”
Ride for Kids® helps families by funding support programs and medical research. “The PBTF is a first-rate organization, and they provide more funding for pediatric brain tumor research than any other organization,” said Dr. Will Parsons of Texas Children’s Hospital. “Without people like all of you here today, that wouldn’t be possible.”
The top fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Steve & Judy Ferguson, $43,269
- Motorcycle club/chapter: GWRRA TX-C, $87,026
- Non-motorcycle group: In memory of Gene Brady $17,750
- Motorcycle business: Bob Lunsford’s Northwest Honda, $227,109
About
The Ride for Kids® is an annual national series of rides that raise money to benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. In 2010 the total monies raised by RFK series of events exceeded 4.5 million dollars, with Texans leading the way in both individual and business donations.
DFW Ride for Kids® is scheduled for October 7th, 2012.
