It's the only ride in the Burlingame Criterium that doesn't crown a champion, but its social impact has far-reaching effects that will forever touch the lives of thousands. The Kids' Ride, or Ryan's Ride, continues to grow in stature and importance.
Over 450 kids participated in Ryan's Ride on Sunday, equaling or bettering last year's mark. The race raised a whopping $60,000 - up $25,000 from a year ago - which will go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the Ryan Phua Memorial Fund supporting cancer survivor groups in the Bay Area and also help raise awareness for Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood. This was the second year of Ryan's Ride, named in honor of John and Michele Phua's son Ryan, who suddenly died in his sleep in July 2003 at the age of 2.
John and Michele helped organize the ride, and the event has been a stunning success. The Phuas wanted to help raise awareness of SUDC and at the same time inspire people who have been affected by cancer. John had his own bout with testicular cancer in 1997 - Ryan and twin brother Matthew were born four years later - before surviving and now spreading a message that seems to have lifted the local community.
"It's great to see all of the kids and parents here helping bring awareness to the cancer community," John Phua said. "It brings hope for all of us. It just seems like there's a certain buzz to the event, and the community and different companies have seen the growth in the last couple of years. Someday one of these kids will look back at this ride and say they can be the next Lance Armstrong."
John said the day of the race always brings a flood of emotions. He remembers his son's smile, his warmth, his seemingly endless generosity and innocence.
"Ryan's spirit is felt here and we always feel his presence wherever we go," John said. "Each day is a special event for all of us because life is precious. The day of the race is always a touching and wonderful moment. The event brings out a bit of sadness, of course, but also joy. This is a great way to share time together and to keep us moving forward. We had people fighting cancer or who had suffered a loss of loved ones through cancer coming up to us today thanking us. That gives us strength and that's why we continue to do this - to face life's challenges and live strong."
Two hours after Ryan's Ride, John looked down at Matthew, 4, and said, "He's enjoying this day. We all are. This is a celebration."
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