Bikers ride for kids, brain tumor awareness
Jean von Heimburg and her husband, Fritz, belonged to a motorcycle organization eight years ago when they first heard one of their friends talking about Ride for Kids, a charity raising funds for children suffering from brain tumors. The von Heimburgs volunteered in 2003, and immediately fell in love with the motorcycle fundraiser, where volunteers take children out for motorcycle rides in the neighboring communities.
“We met a few people there who had children with brain tumors and heard their stories,” von Heimburg said. “It was emotional for us and we were immediately hooked to the event.”The von Heimburgs are part of the task force in charge of setting up the Chicagoland Ride for Kids, taking place July 17 at Elgin Community College. The riders will meander through Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and other towns, accompanied by a police escort.Ride for Kids is a charity supported by the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Events such as the one in Elgin are set up nationwide. The first one took place April 3 in Deerfield, Fla., with the last stop this year in Lithia, Fla., on Nov. 6. Participants will return to ECC to have lunch and hear testimonials from brain tumor survivors. Awards then are presented to the top fundraisers.Anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 riders are expected for the event, said Fritz von Heimburg, route coordinator of the Chicagoland Ride for Kids. It is a 45-mile drive through mostly low-traffic areas.#147;We try to stay out of the densely populated areas to avoid any traffic problems, especially with so many riders,#148; he said. #147;We work with the communities letting them know we#146;re coming and do our best not to disrupt traffic,#148; said Rick Montgomery, a Chicagoland task force member, who is focusing on recruiting more volunteers. Montgomery added that the current economic situation may affect how many people help out. #147;It#146;s tough with the economy being down,#148; Montgomery said. #147; A lot of people are hesitant to help out charities when struggling.#148;
However, any amount of money raised will go toward a good cause, said Carol Sevrey, task force leader of the Chicagoland fundraiser. Last year, the Chicagoland ride raised $267,000.
Funds go toward research grants, patient support services and, most recently, scholarships. That#146;s a great sign, Sevrey said, in the advancements of pediatric brain tumor awareness.
#147;They are surviving longer than they were 25 years ago, but it#146;s still not enough,#148; Sevrey said.
Sevrey, who lost a daughter to brain cancer, said nine children in the U.S. every day are diagnosed with a brain tumor. For those families affected, any advancements to combat pediatric brain tumors is a plus.
#147;If your kid is one of those nine kids diagnosed daily, then it is a big deal and any help would be greatly appreciated,#148; Sevrey said.