Dear Friends,
This year my family and I are going through the pain, unrelenting sadness of having someone you love stricken with this terrible disease. Last July my sister Liz was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Stage 4 malignant brain tumor. With friends and family by her side Liz went through Surgery, Radiation, Chemotherapy and the demanding schedule of participating in a clinical trial. Although we prayed everyday for a miracle, our miracle did not come in time. On October 12, 2010 with friends and family by her side, Liz lost her battle with brain cancer. My family and I are comforted by the fact that she is now with my brother Russ who also died from a brain tumor in 2004. The mortality of a person with a Glioblastoma Stage 4 tumor is 12 months, the survival rate is: Zero.
This past June my sister and her family made a trip to be with my family and friends for the second annual Bowl for the Cure event. Liz told me she wanted to come to support me and to help the kids because she did not want children to go through what she was going through. Without Research to find the cause, the pharmaceutical companies cannot produce medication to combat and treat this deadly disease. Research is the KEY!
In 2009, I attended my first National Ride for Kids meeting in Ashville North Carolina. I learned firsthand how far we have come and I learned how far we have to go. There are hundreds of researchers in the United States working to find the cause of Pediatric Brain Tumors. They are funded by people like us who want to help the kids and adults alike, people like us who want to make a difference.
Here are some facts you need to know:
~Brain tumors are the leading cause of cancer death in Children
~76% of the Children diagnosed with a brain tumor are younger than 15
~Everyday, Ten more children are diagnosed with a brain tumor
~Four out of Ten children will die within 5 years of diagnosis
~84% of the money raised goes to the kids, programs and research
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. The support you give, no matter what the amount will go a long way in helping the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation of the United States ~ Ride for Kids.
Sunday August 7th, 2011 my wife and I will be participating is our 12th Hudson Valley Ride for Kids event. We are in need sponsors, riders, volunteers and your support, so grab your bike, tell your friends and please join us... Call Jon for details @ 914-403-6897or by email @ jon@strikedowncancer.org
"Remember... Children have the right of way...Jf11
Jon and Valerie Ford
Strikedowncancer.org was launched on 4/28/2011. This informational website has events, news and updates concerning our efforts to help the Ride for Kids find the cause and cure to Pediatric Brain Tumors.