Cumming fundraiser nets $119K for Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

CUMMING - The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation continued its fight against childhood brain tumors recently with its annual Atlanta Ride for Kids event which raised $119,513.<br /> <br /> The 31st annual event, which took place in Cumming, is a motorcycle ride that raises funds for childhood brain tumor research and highlights children diagnosed with brain tumors, 14 of whom (called "Stars" by the organizers) were honored guests.<br /> <br /> Maddie Miller, a 15-year-old "Star," is grateful for the contributions from donors. <br /> <br /> "[Ride for Kids] has raised a lot of money in donations. I'd like everyone to know that they're helping a lot raising all this money." She is a 10-year survivor.<br /> <br /> "What I would like to see is eventually for [the ride] not to have to be here," said Mandy Dean, a survivor now in her 20s. "I wish for the funds we're raising to actually find a cure."<br /> <br /> "Life is short and you don't realize how much help is needed out there for children that don't get to live a normal day-to-day life. These kids, they struggle every day," said Natalee West, who attended the ride with "Star" Dru West. "What people are doing in bike rides like this is absolutely amazing. It's a small contribution, but it has a huge impact."<br /> <br /> The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the world's largest non-governmental funder of childhood braintumor research and hosts events across the country. For more information, including ways to volunteer and donate, visit www.curethekids.org.