A gorgeous spring morning greeted the 750 participants at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area outside of Raleigh, N.C., for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's sixth annual Triangle Area Ride for Kids.
The stars of the day were 14 local brain tumor survivors, including Quinn, 4, and Amelia, 7. Many of the children accompanied the motorcyclists for the ride around Jordan Lake, then shared their stories during the Celebration of Life program.
"Fifteen years ago I was diagnosed with a brain tumor," said Joey. "I am now 16 and proof that you can fight and win against this disease, thanks to everyone here."
The group also heard about the importance of research from Dr. Duane Mitchell of Duke University, home of a Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Institute.
Other special guests included Bob Dumas and the Showgram team of G105 in Raleigh and Chuck Marsh of 93.1 The Wolf in Greensboro. Miss Teen North Carolina International, Christina Roach, was there in memory of her sister Cora, who died of a brain tumor recently.
The event's announced total was $126,208. The top fundraisers were:
- Top Individual: Jerry Hart, $27,062
- Top Club/Chapter: Raleigh H.O.G., $34,345
- Top Motorcycle Business: Ray Price Harley-Davidson, $37,444
David Malie of Raleigh won the drawing for a new Honda motorcycle.
Thanks for a successful event went to the hardworking volunteers, led by Jerry Hart, Richard and Linda Berner, Roland Cargill and George and Peg Cherny.
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