More than 600 motorcyclists and supporters at the Baltimore/Washington Ride for Kids® event raised more than $200,000 for the PBTF on Sept. 23.
It was a clear, sunny day as the police-escorted ride left The Mall in Columbia, Md., traveling through the scenic horse country of western Howard County.
The best part of the day, however, came at the end point, as 10 local brain tumor patients took the stage for the Celebration of Life program. From 3-year-old Paige to Katelyn, 19, these "stars" gave the motorcyclists an emotional connection to the day's cause.
Dr. Greg Riggins, director of neurosurgery research at Johns Hopkins, thanked the riders for their hard work. "Better treatment means fewer side effects," he said. "Because of the PBTF and you this is possible." Riggins was joined on stage by Dr. Roger Packer, head of the brain tumor program at Children's Hospital of Washington, D.C.
The event raised a total of $200,163. The individual who raised the most was Bob Henig of Jessup, Md., who brought $22,741. The Manassas Honda Riders raised $14,568 to be named the top fundraising club. The top motorcycle business was Bob’s BMW of Jessup, whose customers raised $47,318. Lisa Frushour of Myersville, Md., won the grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to the local task force leaders, Kevin Merrill, Taryn Wilson-Wheatley, Joe Pruss and Marcy Rich, visitation leader Julie Geery, and the dedicated task force volunteers.
