More than 400 supporters at the Birmingham Ride for Kids® raised $91,451 for the PBTF under cloudless blue skies.
The police-escorted ride left Pelham Civic Complex in Pelham, traveling through lush green forests on its way to Barber Motorsports Park, known to enthusiasts as "motorcycle heaven."
The stars of the day were eight local brain tumor patients, including K.J., 12, who will start playing basketball in a wheelchair league this week. During the Celebration of Life program, Gene Ann, 4-year-old Avery's mother, said that although her daughter is in treatment again, "She is getting treatments that were not available when she was first diagnosed."
Dr. G. Yancey Gillespie and Dr. Alyssa Reddy of the University of Alabama Birmingham told the fundraisers how research dollars improve patient care. Referring to a Ride for Kids star who passed away earlier this year, Dr. Reddy said, "You are helping us reach the day that when children like Ryan come in with a brain tumor, we will be able to say that we can treat that."
The top individual fundraiser was Bill Smith of Alabaster, Ala., with $8,747. GWRRA AL Chapter X was the top club, raising $23,318. The top motorcycle business was Action Lock & Trike from Meridianville, Ala., whose customers raised $20,714. Kevin Howze of Calera, Ala., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Special thanks went to local task force leaders Joyce and Bill Smith, Anita and Roy Fosnight, and visitation leader Stacy Ashby. Together with their hardworking volunteers, they gave the kids a wonderful day to remember.
