Our family has been involved with the Ride for Kids/ Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States since 1992. This is a charity that is near and dear to our family, as my MOM is a brain tumor survivor (September marks 20 years since her first diagnosis and surgery). Motorcyclists are known for being involved with a number of different charities; one of the most notable is the Love Ride that Los Angeles Harley Davidson puts on for the MDA. I even wanted to do ONE, just to say I have done it; but I read a report that said that one ride brought in over $1M, which is great, except that over $800K of that went to the costs of paying for the ride and the celebrities for their time. There is a problem with that. Ride for Kids events put 97% of all funds raised into research, family support programs, and college scholarships.
We know we have success because, with improvements in technology based on the funded research we have seen dramatic progress. When we became involved, a child diagnosed with a brain tumor was given 3-9 months to LIVE... NOW that same child; with the same kind of diagnosis, at the same age.... would graduate high school, college and begin a family of their own. PLUS a NOBEL prize was won in 2007 based on research that we helped to FUND!
If you wish to seek more information, go to:
www.ride4kids.org
www.pbtfus.org
If you wish to help with a contribution for my 2010 effort, go to:
www.firstgiving.com/rfkkarnofsky2010
The kids that we have helped inspire me....