Motorcyclists and fundraisers in south Louisiana gave generously to the search for the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors on Oct. 22. Together they contributed $35,685 at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's fourth annual Louisiana Ride for Kids®.
Cool, breezy weather welcomed the 200 ride participants who gathered at SLEMCO headquarters in Lafayette. Music filled the air as they lined up their bikes and greeted each other before the police-escorted ride through the scenic bayous of local parishes.
The day grew warmer as the Celebration of Life program began under a big-top tent. There the ride participants heard from the stars of the day, local brain tumor survivors Cameron, 10, Darla, 18, and Brook, 20. Darla brought the crowd to its feet after singing "Hello Lord," a song that she composed during one of her many hospital stays.
The medical community was represented by Dr. Maria Velez, associate professor of pediatrics at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center. Thousands of children are diagnosed with brain tumors each year, she said, and "your fundraising is the key to their future."
The top individual fundraisers were Anita and Charlie Porche of Mandeville, who brought $5,405. The top chapter/club was GWRRA Chapter B of Lafayette with $9,309, while the customers of South Side Honda of Lafayette contributed $11,982 to make it the top motorcycle business. Wayne Brewer of Ticktaw, La., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to the Louisiana event's task force leaders, Nancy and Bullet McGee and Mary Ann and Dewey Burke, visitation leaders Anita and Charlie Porche, the hardworking task force members, and event volunteers, for organizing an outstanding event.
