Hundreds of motorcyclists gathered in New York's Hudson Valley to champion children with brain tumors at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Ride for Kids® on Aug. 6, raising more than $94,800 for medical research and family support programs.
The summer heat wave broke just in time for the 14th annual event, and a light breeze fluttered as the procession of motorcycles left Central Valley Elementary School. Motorcyclists followed a police escort over winding roads through thickly wooded Harriman State Park and parts of West Point, with stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades.
Back at the school, the 620 participants joined an upbeat Celebration of Life program that featured seven local brain tumor survivors. Ashley, 4, delighted the crowd with her version of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and her mom, Stacy, thanked everyone for coming. "We felt so alone, but being here with all of you changes everything," she said. "There may not be a cure yet, but the research means keeping [our kids] with us for as long as possible."
Dr. James Garvin, a pediatric oncologist from Children's Hospital of New York, told the crowd how much the medical community appreciates their fundraising efforts. After he spoke, the people cheered to learn that they had raised $94,877 for brain tumor research.
Top individual fundraiser honors went to Eric Schmidt of Bethel, Conn., who raised $6,619. The top club, Ride for Liam of Suffern, N.Y., brought $18,609, and the customers of Bergen County Harley-Davidson of Rochelle Park, N.J., raised $5,110 to make it the top motorcycle business. Ed Connors of Pearl River, N.Y., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Hudson Valley Ride for Kids® task force leaders Jack Jones and Linda and Walter Buchanan, the hardworking task force members and day-of-event volunteers, for hosting a super event.
