Phoenix Ride for Kids raises $56,913 for childhood brain tumor research

From a press release issued by the Phoenix Ride for Kids...

Motorcyclists raised $56,913 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) Sunday 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 is 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.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids
The national Ride for Kids program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) promote childhood brain tumor research and provide family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. The next Ride for Kids events are Oct. 18 in Knoxville and San Diego. For more information, go to http://www.rideforkids.org/ or call 800-253-6530.