Riding to Save Lives

by Rosemary Garrity

On Sunday, August 12, hundreds of motorcyclists from the Greater Pittsburgh area will join forces in an attempt to bring attention to a very worthwhile cause, helping to find the cause and cure of brain tumors in children. By making this trip more visible to the public, they hope to receive support for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. This effort began years ago in Georgia. Mike Traynor and his wife, Diane, who live in Atlanta, had a friend whose child was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When they saw how this disease impacted their friend’s family, they decided to do something to help. In 1984, they started The Ride for Kids program in Atlanta. They encouraged motorcyclists to raise money to fund research for the leading brain tumor research centers in the country. Their first ride was very successful, and the concept spread to other cities. This year about 36 events are planned and will raise millions of dollars for research.

In our area, Melissa Grom, is the public relations spokesperson for The Ride for Kids. “We are so appreciative for the support we are getting for this important cause,” Grom said.

The facts about brain tumors in children are alarming. According to the data from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in children under the age of 20. They are the deadliest type of childhood cancer. Also, the incidence of brain tumors is increasing, but the reasons for the increase are unknown.

Having this information in mind, it is easy to understand why the Ride for Kids is so important. Task-force leader, Steve Kovac and his fiancé, Laura Ebbert, are committed to this event. “I’ve been involved for seven years and will do anything to help children,” Kovac said.

This year participants will meet for complimentary doughnuts and coffee at The Home Depot in Cranberry Township. The riders will leave there with a police escort and arrive at Slippery Rock University for the “Celebration of Life.” The celebration includes children recovering from brain tumors, their families and doctors. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in conversations with all who attend.

Ryan Wilpula, the father of Eliot, a six year old who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was a year old, shared his thoughts. “This is the best event ever. My son looks forward to this day because the people involved make him feel like he is the most important person there!”

For more information call: 1-800-253-6536 or go to rideforkids.org.

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