Motorcyclists raised $56,913 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) yesterday at the 13th annual Phoenix Ride for Kids® in Mesa.
A gorgeous day in the desert brought 325 supporters to Desert Ridge High School. Riders were treated to a spectacular tour of red rock formations and Saguaro Lake.
Five local brain tumor patients — Megan, Leslie, Rachel, Frankie and Rosalena — accompanied the ride and participated in the Celebration of Life program afterward.
Eleven-year-old Frankie’s mom, Melissa, said, “We love the excitement of coming to the ride. Because of the research funded by the monies you bring in, Frankie’s survival rate has increased to 85 percent.”
The fundraisers also heard from Dr. Michael Etzl of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, who said, “We have not gone from cause to cure yet, but all the donations you bring in are getting us closer.”
The first-place fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Ron and Terri Willoughby, $13,416
- Chapter/Club: CMA Desert Disciples, $13,721
- Motorcycle Business: Arrowhead Harley-Davidson/Buell, $13,416
Ron Willoughby of Peoria, Ariz., won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.
The ride was organized by an amazing group of local volunteers, led by Edie and Dave Hewitt and Dennis Draper, Betsy Coon, and Allen and Janet Ingersoll. The Hewitts received special recognition for raising more than $1.5 million for the PBTF over the past 11 years.
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