The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation got a great boost at the fourth annual Colorado Ride for Kids®, which attracted 225 supporters and raised more than $49,000.
The riders left from Heritage Square Park in Golden with a police escort, following winding mountain roads into the Front Range with wide vistas of snow-capped peaks. When they pulled into Jefferson County Services back in Golden, it was time for a light lunch and the uplifting Celebration of Life program.
The stars of the day were four local brain tumor survivors, including 20-year-old Brystal, a PBTF scholarship recipient. Said Sara, also 20, "It was my first motorcycle ride and I loved every minute of it."
The crowd was thrilled to see the progress made by two longtime Colorado stars, 14-year-olds Ben and Spencer. Ben, who has attended the event in a wheelchair for several years, was able to walk on stage with assistance for the first time. And Spencer's hair has grown back since last year's event, when he was completely bald.
Pediatric oncology nurse Jody Dickerson thanked the riders for their contributions to medical research and family support.
The Colorado event raised $49,205. The top individual fundraisers were Paula Wilderman, Chris Spanos and Jed Johnson with $12,733. The BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado turned in $7,968 to become the top club, and the top motorcycle business was BMW of Denver with $12,898. Linda Sheely of Elbert, Colo., won the grand prize, a brand-new Honda motorcycle.
Many thanks to the local task force, led by Alison and Gray Buckley, Paula Wilderman and Chris Spanos, along with the event volunteers, for organizing a great Ride for Kids event.
