Motorcyclists from the metropolitan Baltimore/Washington area came out in full force for kids with brain tumors on Sept. 24, 2006, to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
The excitement started building at dawn as riders on all makes and models pulled into the parking lot at The Mall in Columbia, Md. At 9:30 sharp, the bikes formed a breathtaking column behind their police escort, taking the scenic route through rural Howard County.
By the time the ride reached the end point at Lincoln Technical Institute, the 500 participants were primed for the inspiring Celebration of Life program, which starred 10 local brain tumor patients.
"This is where my heart is. I will do this forever. It gives quality of life to families," said Marcy, mother of 16-year-old brain tumor patient Danielle.
The crowd also heard from Johns Hopkins researcher Dr. Gregory Riggins, who said that PBTF funding is improving the quality and effectiveness of various treatments.
The 15th annual event raised a total of $180,380. Including sponsorships and funds that came in after the event, the total rose to $193,975.
The top individual fundraiser was Bob Henig of Columbia, who brought $12,373. The top club was Manassas Honda Rider's Club, whose members raised $16,499, while the customers of Bob's BMW of Jessup turned in $31,392 to make it the top motorcycle business.
Edwards Holliday of Columbia won the drawing for a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Baltimore/Washington’s 2006 task force leaders Kevin and Christine Merrill, Rene Hernandez, Roy Carpenter and Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, the hardworking volunteer task force and event volunteers, for organizing a marvelous event.
