Generous motorcyclists opened their hearts and wallets in South Bend, Ind., on July 9, raising a record amount at the area's fourth annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Ride for Kids® event. Thanks to their efforts, the event raised more than $47,000 in donations for medical research and family support programs.
The riders gathered at Pinhook Park under sunny skies, then followed a police escort along the gorgeous rural countryside of northwest Indiana. After looping back to the park, they rejoined other fundraisers, volunteers, brain tumor survivors and their families for the moving Celebration of Life program.
Nine local pediatric brain tumor survivors spoke from the stage, ranging in age from Carrie, 2, to Karma, 20. Scott, whose son Nick died of a brain tumor, told the crowd of 375, "I am honored and proud to be here to thank all of you for supporting my family in my wonderful son's memory."
Another inspiration came from nurse practitioner Lyn Stevens of St. Anthony Memorial in Michigan City, Ind., who survived a brain tumor 42 years ago. The crowd also heard from the mayor of South Bend, Stephen Luecke, who said, "The city of South Bend is so proud and delighted to partner with all of you in the drive to find a cure to put an end to this terrible disease."
The total raised at the Indiana event was $47,018. The top individual fundraiser was 8-year-old brain tumor survivor "Lightning" Lucas Moore of LaPorte, who raised $7,476 through an ad he placed in his local newspaper. Members of the top club, GWRRA IN Chapter R2, turned in $8,962. The top motorcycle business was Sanders Cycle of Rensselaer with $5,210. The grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle, went to Jennifer and Tony Certa of Valparaiso.
Heartfelt thanks to the Indiana ride's volunteer task force leaders, Jennifer and Tony Certa and Sandy and Fred Johnson, visitation leaders Bobby and Claudette Newman, task force members and day-of-event volunteers, for putting together a phenomenal event.
