From a press release:

Asheville, NC – Once again the motorcycling community of America has shown its support of thousands of children who are battling brain tumors by raising a record number of donations. Through the 20 Ride for Kids® events in 2001, over 2.8 million dollars were raised to support the programs of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States (PBTFUS).

These funds have helped the PBTFUS become the world’s largest non-governmental source of childhood brain tumor research and family support. To emphasize the importance of this accomplishment, the respected international medical organization, the Society of Neuro Oncology, has for the second time in three years awarded their highest honor, the “Distinguished Benefactor Award” to the PBTFUS for 2001.

“The unprecedented receipt of this award for a second time acknowledges the importance of the work of the motorcyclists who, for the past 18 years, have worked diligently to help find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors through their participation in the Ride for Kids program,” said PBTFUS President Mike Traynor.

Thanks to the motorcyclists who support the Ride for Kids, the PBTFUS is funding 35 active research and family support grants totaling over $3 million.

“Our goal when we started the Ride for Kids program 18 years ago was to find the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors,” said Traynor. “Today we stand on the threshold of seeing our mission achieved while we have demonstrated to the public that the motorcycling community is a caring and responsible group of people.”

While significant research is underway and progress has been made, the ongoing support from riders remains critically important to arrest this devastating childhood disease. Riders of all brands are encouraged to join this important effort in 2002 at one of the 22 national Ride for Kids events.

More information on the Ride for Kids program and the PBTFUS can be found at www.ride4kids.org and www.pbtfus.org or call 1-800-253-6530.