The Ride for Kids...

Heath and I attended the annual charity motorcycle ride benefitting the Pediatric Brain Tumor foundation for the second time. We went last year for the first time just because we wanted to be a part of a big motorcycle ride. But this year we went back because we were so moved by the kids that we were riding for. Last year there were several thousand bikes at the ride. This year there was a threat of rain overhead and the ride was moved a little further SouthWest, so not as many people showed up, but it was still a big ride. We meet very early in the morning at our local Kawasaki shop and have breakfast and prayers before heading over to the big ride. We then meet up with several other organizations and local groups to ride together on a preplanned route. The route is well advertised in the area, so many people show up to the side of the road to watch the parade of bikes that come through. We then all come together under a large tent and they tell us how much money was raised, they talk to several of the kids that benefit from the ride, and we hear about many inspiring stories. The one that I remember most is a little girl the same age as my Alyssa. Last year her dad got up and spoke about how his baby girl was in the hospital because they had just discovered the brain tumor. This year they had her with them and told us how she had undergone 6 surgeries in the last year and that she had to relearn alot of things she had already learned as a baby. While it was a story that made me cry, I was moved at what a miracle this baby was to all of us, but especially her parents.

Heath and I talked this year about wanting to find a charity motorcycle ride that benefits a Spina Bifida foundation since that is something we live with in our household everyday. We looked at several different options but most were not local. The March of Dimes supports Spina Bifida patients amont other pediatric foundations, but they mostly do walks and not motorcycle rides. We then talked about starting one of our own and how we could go about doing that. Earlier this month, we very sadly had to let go of the motorcycle for financial reasons. So while it looks like we won't be starting our own bike ride anytime soon. We are hoping that by the time this "Ride for Kids" comes around next year, we will be able to find a way to be a part of it. Even if it means sitting in chairs along the parade route to wave as all the bikes come through.