Background

Ride For The Kids (RFTK) came to life because two families’ lives were turned upside down when the parents heard cancer and their daughter’s name; unborn child and heart defect; in the same sentences.

This event is hosted by the McClain and Reiss families with much help from our dedicated committee volunteers. Both families have experienced the outstanding service, care, compassion, and talents provided by the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

Matthew Wessels, 2-year-old son of Brian and Amanda (McClain) Wessels from Zwingle, was born with a heart condition that has already required two open-heart surgeries. Matthew will need surgeries in the future and lifelong monitoring of his heart. He has endured much and is a fighter in every sense of the word. Brian and Amanda also have 2 older sons, Jonathan and Luke.

Sarah Reiss, oldest daughter of Mark and Julie (McClain) Reiss from Dubuque, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma – a cancerous brain tumor in May of 2008. She went through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant with complications, and countless procedures, all at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

Sarah’s 2-1/2 year fight came to an end on September 29^th, 2010 at the age of 22. She endured much; fought so hard and with much faith, dignity, and courage . She inspired and touched many people…we are so proud of her and miss her beyond words.

Sarah has twin 20-year-old sisters, Megan and Molly, who are currently attending colleges in Iowa.

In 2010, the RFTK Committee presented the 2010 Ride For The Kids check in the amount of $59,300 on the day we lost Sarah – we admire her compelling will to fight; wanting to still be with us for that presentation.  The money helped to purchase a Gallium Generator and performs cutting-edge PET scans in children with brain tumors to further improve diagnosis and treatment. 

Then, on Sept. 29, 2011, the 1st anniversary of losing Sarah, the RFTK Committee presented another check from the 2011 Ride for The Kids event in the amount of $92,196.87!  To date, RFTK has raised over $180,000!!

RFTK is now part of Sarah’s legacy; so for Sarah and for Matt we are, once again, organizing this event to raise funds for the Brain Tumor and Heart Research programs at the UI Children’s Hospital. We need to find cures so families don’t have to go through what we are.   

Everyday more than a classroom full of kids are diagnosed with some type of brain tumor.

Congenital heart defects are America's #1 birth defect. Nearly one of every 100 babies are born with a CHD.

Thank you and God Bless ~