A cool morning breeze greeted participants in the 15th annual Sacramento Ride for Kids in Woodland on Oct. 7. The event raised more than $119,000 for the PBTF's medical research and family support programs.
The police-escorted ride toured the scenic farmland of northern California's "Gold Country" before returning to the Yolo County Fairgrounds for the Celebration of Life program. Sixteen local brain tumor patients, including 2-year-old Reiana and Craig, 21, shared their inspiring stories.
The crowd also heard from two pediatric physicians from Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group, neurosurgeon Sam Ciricillo and neuro-oncologist Nora Wu. "We're very close to amazing treatments and cures for pediatric brain tumors because of your very generous donations," Dr. Ciricillo said.
The Sacramento event raised a total of $119,577, including $18,000 from top individual fundraisers Ann and Kirk Harry of El Dorato Hills, Calif. GWRRA CA Chapter C of Sacramento was the top club/chapter with $44,017 raised, and the top motorcycle business was Hillside Honda of Lakeport, Calif.
The grand prize Honda motorcycle went to Jack Cushman of Manteca, Calif.
Special thanks went to the local Ride for Kids® task force, led by Lillian and Jack Cushman and Kathy and Jon Carlson, along with visitation leaders Trish and Tom Bales and Steve Long. Together with their hardworking volunteers, they gave the kids a day to remember.
