American Honda signed on as the presenting sponsor of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation® (PBTF) Ride for Kids® 20 years ago. Los Angeles motorcyclists marked the anniversary by raising $227,315 for the PBTF.
It was cool and rainy at Honda’s Torrance headquarters as the crowd of 600 supporters gathered, but the riders weren’t deterred. They hugged the Pacific coastline for miles before returning to honor 13 local brain tumor survivors.
Dylan, Yverline, Grayson, Amanda, Hannah, Lisa, Bayleigh, Michelle, Marisa, Stephanie, Elise, Ethan and Tia shared their perspective on life with a brain tumor. Stephanie was diagnosed at 11. Now 19 and legally blind, she said, “You gain more than you lose. You gain a family through support of motorcyclists.”
Dr. Anat Epstein, a researcher who also treats pediatric brain tumor patients at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, told the fundraisers that their efforts are resulting in new therapies.
The leading fundraisers were:
- Individuals: Bill and Dianna Boyer, $22,900
- Club/Chapter: Scotty's Riders, $51,278
- Motorcycle Business: Long Beach BMW, $25,882
Several lucky attendees won drawing prizes from Ride for Kids® sponsors: Jorge Estrada (Honda motorcycle); Rodrigo Urena (Dunlop tire); Ruth Gilliland (AGV helmet); Michael Davis (Tourmaster gift certificate); and Jason King (Cardo Scala Rider headset).
Hardworking volunteers led by Brian Tinkler, Mike York, Louis Vanderveen, Jeniffer McMullen and Steve Squire made the Los Angeles Ride for Kids® a great success.
Plan a fundraiser:Each state requires PBTF to approve your fundraiser, so contact us early in your planning process. The first step is to complete our fundraising application.
