Who we ride for (Research Supported by Team Luca)

Dr. Kieran and his colleagues are making great strides towards identifying and mapping specific attributes of cancer cells common to certain brain tumors in an effort to develop more individualized and less toxic treatments. Federal funding for research has been drastically cut therefore Dr. Kieran relies upon private donations to further the prospect for these improved treatments and potential cures. In fact, some of his current trials were jumpstarted by donations from brain tumor families and friends, just like Team Luca's funds. As a result of these trials, more children are surviving.

Dr. Kieran's passion for finding cures is magnetic and provides hope for so many families. We feel so confident that our donated funds will fuel much needed research and save more children's lives.

Lexie Williams

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lexiewilliams

"I think they should get more money for research because if there was a cure for brain tumors then kids wouldn't have to die. A bunch of my friends have died from brain tumors. If they find a cure, then other kids won't have to die. If there is a cure, then kids with brain tumors could be normal and run around like other kids like my friends at school. I'd like to be able to run around like that, and if they could do research and keep my tumor from growing, then I could run around and be normal. I would really like it if they could get rid of my tumor, but I would be happy if they could just keep it from growing. And if there was just one pill you could take, just one, and your tumor would go away, that would be great."

Jaclyn Murphy

http://www.caringbridge.org/ny/jaclyn

"My name is Jaclyn Murphy. I am currently 13 years old and was diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumor, Medulloblastoma, at the age of 9. My life changed in an instant. Having a brain tumor has taught me so much. It has taught me to stay positive no matter what happens in life, to accept what is going on, and to never lose faith. I have learned at a young age to live life to its fullest everyday. Sometimes, that is difficult because the way that I feel. I am not able to do the things that I was able to do in the past. For example, I still cannot play my favorite sports, lacrosse and soccer. I tire easily and have shortness of breath. I get frustrated when I cannot complete my school work as quickly as I used to. Socially, I have lost many of my friends. I spend a lot of time getting well while my friends and kids my age continue to be normal teenagers. At the same time, I know that I am blessed. I have learned the value of each and everyday. I have met amazing people along this journey who support me and inspire me to get well and be the best that I can be. I have learned the value of acceptance and believing that I have a special purpose. Research is so important so that we can STOP this living hell for all these children. No one should have to endure this dreaded disease. I pray and wish for a cure so that no more children will have to experience brain tumors, surgeries, radiation, and chemo. Everyone suffers when a child is diagnosed. The child, the parents, the sisters, and brothers. It has an affect on the entire family and everyone who is close to the child. There needs to be more awareness, research, and help for all the children. It is my hope that no other child will have to go through the disease of having a brain tumor."