Phoenix brain tumor survivor Rosalena, left, gets a hug from her mom, Jackie, before the event.

The 2008 Phoenix Ride for Kids® on Oct. 12 attracted 350 motorcyclists and supporters and raised $62,277 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation 's medical research and family support programs.

Desert Ridge High School in Mesa hosted the event, which took place under beautiful blue skies. The riders and their police escort toured the desert roads and red rock formations around Saguaro Lake.
 
The Celebration of Life program after the ride honored six local brain tumor patients and their families. Children such as Franky, 10, and Megan, 14, shared their stories with the group.

"You all are so important to our future," said Shelly, mom of 11-year-old Rachel. "We are stunned and honored by all of the support from everyone here. You are our heroes."

The crowd also heard from Dr. Amy Rosenfeld of Phoenix Children's Hospital, who told them that their efforts fuel medical research.

Susi Vincent of Glendale was the top individual fundraiser with $8,400 in contributions. The top club/chapter was GWRRA AZ-D of Mesa with $19,972, and the number one motorcycle business was RideNow Powersports of Tempe, whose customers raised $16,897. The grand prize, a new Honda motorcycle, went to Dave Hewitt of Mesa.

Thanks for a special day went to the local Ride for KidsÆ task force and event volunteers, led by Edie and Dave Hewitt, Paul Trinker and Greg Coinman.

About the PBTF Ride for Kids ®
Since 1984, the national Ride for Kids ® program and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF) have promoted childhood brain tumor research and provided family support through free literature about brain tumors, educational newsletters, online conferences and college scholarships. With the help of America's motorcycling community, the PBTF has become the world's largest non-governmental source of funding for childhood brain tumor research.

The 25th PBTF Ride for KidsÆ season continues on Sunday, Oct. 19, in Lafayette, La., and San Diego. For more information, go to rideforkids.org or call 800-253-6530.