GA Patch Voices: Riding on a Mission

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By Caroline Karnatz

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation continued its fight against childhood brain tumors on June 1, when its annual Atlanta Ride for Kids event raised $199,513.

The 31st annual event, which took place in Cumming, is a motorcycle ride that raises funds for childhood brain tumor research and highlights children diagnosed with brain tumors – the Stars of the day.  

Fourteen local Stars rode with motorcyclists before being honored in a ceremony. Maddie Miller, a 15-year-old Star, is grateful for the contributions from donors. “[Ride for Kids] has raised a lot of money in donations. I’d like everyone to know that they’re helping a lot raising all this money.” Maddie is a 10-year survivor.

Although this year’s ride was a success, the foundation continues to battle childhood brain tumors until there is a cure. “What I would like to see is eventually for [the ride] not to have to be here,” said Mandy Dean, a survivor now in her 20s. “I wish for the funds we’re raising to actually find a cure.” 

“Life is short and you don’t realize how much help is needed out there for children that don’t get to live a normal day-to-day life. These kids, they struggle every day,” said Natalee West, who attended the ride with Star Dru West. “What people are doing in bike rides like this is absolutely amazing. It’s a small contribution, but it has a huge impact.”

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world’s largest non-governmental funder of childhood brain tumor research and hosts events across the country. For more information, including ways to volunteerand donate, visit www.curethekids.org.