This will be our fifth Ride for Kids - Los Angeles that we have participated in. Last year, through YOUR generosity, Amanda and I helped raise $9,370 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. We REALLY need your help this year as we have set a very lofty donation goal of $10,000! This will be the 18th year for the Ride for Kids event in Los Angeles, and the 26th year nationally. Our goal this year is to make it the most successful event to date, and that will be quite a feat as last year the event raised $263,194 for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Amanda was an honored guest at the event, as a brain tumor survivor she was given a special yellow T-Shirt identifying her as a brain tumor survivor 'STAR' along with about 14 other survivors. Amanda along with the other 'STARS' rode on a bike at the front of the pack of approximately 1,000 motorcycles that attended the event. What a sight, 1,000 motorcycles stretched out over several miles on a wonderful police escorted ride through the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Bystanders were waving, and motorists honked their horns, what a day, truly a day to remember!
As most of you are aware this is a cause that is near and dear to our hearts, as our family has been directly effected by this insidious disease. Our story had a happy ending as our daughter Amanda has largely recovered from her disease and as you read this is currently in her fourth year at UCLA, an honors student, and last year was appointed to a two year term to the ASUCLA Board of Directors. However, many familes are not so lucky and the list of those who did not survive their battle grows longer daily. Last year, at the 'Celebration of Life' ceremony after the ride a young woman rose to speak, she began by apologizing for her son 'Scotty' who was not there as he had been in years past (we realized he wasn't there as we didn't see him like usual as one of the surviving 'STARS'). Scotty had passed away in August from his brain tumor. I can't begin to explain to you the total devastation we felt when Amanda was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was without question the worst time of our lives, and one that we hope no others will have to face. But the reality is that many others face a similar experience each and every day. Just take a moment to reflect upon what these families and children must be going through. However, with your help we can change the prognosis for others. Through the monies raised by the PBTF great advances have and will continue to be made. Again, WE CAN and Will make a difference. Please help, your donation will help save a childs life! Thanking you in advance for your generosity.
Michael, Karen, Amanda, Meredith and Ryan York
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Off Line Donations - Thank You ALL!
Tony Mena $40, Manny Martinez/Honda of Pasadena $1,000,Clem Blanke $25, Don Treiman - AHT Architects $150, Carol Blake $25, Michael and Amanda York $106, Jim and Elizabeth Hazle $100, Harry Mayo/Duncan Financial Group $400, Judge Gregory Bill $125, Ed & Patty Oliges $500, Paul Webb/International Training Solutions $200, Craig & Mary Kay Blanke $25, DanRowe/Evergreen Ford - Issaquah Wa. $500, Joe Caso/Frontier Toyota - Valencia, CA. $500, Jim & Cheryl Landes $100, Craig Masuoka $50, Richard & Christine Grosskreuz $100, Matt DeSalle $120, Sally Breech $250, Ralph DiGregorio $150, George & Yvonne Tellam $10, Mary Schiavone $100, Jason & Rhonda Wamsley - Ford of Kirkland $40, Tom Olson - Ford of Kirkland $25, Richard Elliott $100, Michelle Doherty $40, Gary (GW) Wendt $50, Noe Jaramillo $50, Mike & Linda Martin $50, Deborah Skaron $25, El Cajon Ford $500,