‘Bikers for Brooke’ Motorcycle Event to Fight Cancer in Memory of 5-Year-Old Girl

Described to be an “adorable, loving, smart, funny girl”, Brooke Healey was considered a joy and blessing to her family and friends. Perhaps this was what made the girl’s demise even more tragic, as she had passed away from cancer at the tender age of 5.

(All images taken from The Brooke Healey Foundation)

Brooke Healey was diagnosed with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) on January 14th, 2013. After an eight months fight against the disease, said to be “an inoperable, very aggressive tumor in the middle of the brain stem,” she passed away on September 9th, 2013.

Even throughout her brave fight against DIPG, Brooke never complained and continued to bring happiness with her unique personality. Her battle, however tough, has thus inspired people from around the world to come together in support of this amazing girl with great strength, her family as well as the cause to fight DIPG.

The disease is also said to be a type of tumor that only affects children, and unfortunately has no cure. In fact, pediatric brain tumors in general have a survival rate of less than 20%.

Brooke Healey Foundation was thus established to build awareness and raise funds for research towards DIPG. It was also stated that the foundation aims to “help families dealing with pediatric cancers, especially brain cancers and DIPG”, and to “foster community relationships and to promote involvement through scholarships awarded to civically active high school seniors.” This is especially because research in DIPG is extremely underfunded and families affected by the cancer have very few resources and options for help.

One such event to raise funds for the awareness of DIPG is the ‘Bikers for Brooke Motorcycle Run & Family Fun’ event. The motorcycle run will be held on June 10th this year, and it will be the 6th year since the event was started.

According to the details given, the ride, which attracts hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts every year, will be police escorted. This year, the event will start at Berkeley Heights and travel through New Providence.

There will also be a post-ride event with local speakers, live music, food, a car show, vendor village and many other kids-friendly activities.

To date, the foundation has donated $90,000 USD directly to families and $135,000 to the DIPG Collaborative.

Motorcycle runs are also great ways to raise awareness for any fundraising activities, and the bikers who turn up for the event will surely achieve a sense of fulfilment from supporting a good cause.

For more information about the motorcycle ride, visit the official ‘Bikers for Brooke’ webpage.