Sept. 10 was a spectacular day in western Washington as more than 200 motorcyclists and fundraisers turned out for the 14th annual Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Puget Sound Ride for Kids®, which raised $100,033.
The weather was spectacular, too, as riders gathered at Remlinger Farms in Carnation. Their police escort took them on a scenic tour of eastern King County before returning to the produce and berry farm for the Celebration of Life program.
Eleven local brain tumor survivors shared their stories, from 3-year-olds Meghan and Claire to Tara, 21. "More people bringing in more money helps with more research for the kids," said 14-year-old "star" Reese.
The group also heard from Dr. Bill Thomas, a pediatric oncologist at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma, and two moms of patients. "These kids are so special and we are so lucky to have them in our lives," said Gretchen, whose son Jonah died of a brain tumor. "We can't give up and we have to keep raising the funds."
The top individual fundraiser was Jim Speer of Auburn, Wash., who brought $20,000. The top club was GWTA Chapter V, whose members raised $22,115, and the customers of Hinshaw's Motorcycle Store of Auburn turned in $23,998 to make it the top motorcycle business. Sam Ott of Longview, Wash., won the drawing for a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to Puget Sound task force leaders Ginny and Dick Stryker, visitation leaders Ken Watson and Joel Woods, the dedicated volunteer task force and event volunteers, for organizing a terrific program.
