Bike Ride for Kids Gives Young Patients a Break

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — According to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 30,000 kids in America live with a brain tumor. They say research for the deadliest form of childhood cancer is under funded.

“We went through 18 rounds of chemo and 27 rounds of radiation,” said Ben Freese.

Like all of the stars at the Kansas City Ride for Kids, 18-year-old Ben Freese fought a brain tumor and he has battle wounds to prove it.

“I have scars on my head from surgical implants and from the shunt,” Freese said.

The event doesn’t just raise money to help pediatric patients of brain tumors, it gives them a joy ride in the midst of their journey.

Noah Sanchez will replace his ninja hat with a helmet. He feels so important he may just sign autographs after his ride.

“I might give them out for free,” Sanchez jokes.

This year, 11-year-old Carter is paired with a rider named Krazy Karl. They seem like a match made in heaven. Carter was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was a baby.

“He has a tumor that is benign but inoperable,” said Heather Thompson. “He just lives with it.”

KC Ride for Kids is expected to raise more than $50,000 to fund research for pediatric brain tumors.