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As most of you know, Scotty Ross lost his long battle with brain cancer on August 15, 2007. While there are literally thousands of people and dozens of deserving organizations who helped support Scotty Ross and his family throughout his battle, Scotty’s parents, Bill and Joan Ross, and Scotty’s entire extended family have decided to do everything possible to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (“PBTF”). We encourage you to visit the link above to learn more about all of the wonderful things that the PBTF has done in the continuing fight against brain tumors in children and young adults. Scotty was born and raised in Garden Grove, CA, along with his two brothers, Ian and Robert. While Scotty was only with us for 19 precious years, he accomplished more than many people will accomplish during their lifetimes. At the age of 23 months he began a battle against leukemia which would last many years. As Scotty was growing up, the Church and Scouting quickly became a very important part of his life. After a few years of being cancer free, at the age of 16, Scotty was diagnosed with brain cancer. Throughout his battle, Scotty’s foundation in family, religion and Scouting helped him to fight on. During this time, Scotty achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from high school, and traveled to Sacramento to participate in a task force to improve the lives of disabled citizens. He also met with President Bush to emphasize the greater need for assistance for Americans living with cancer. During Scotty’s high school graduation, Scotty received the Principal’s Inspiration Award, which we encourage you to view through the link above. While we all believe that Scotty could have accomplished much more here, he was called to a greater purpose as the sun rose on August 15, surrounded by his family. At this time, we believe that the best way to honor the memory of Scotty Ross is to do everything we can in the fight to end pediatric brain cancer and to assist the thousands of families who must deal with this crisis each year. We encourage you to make the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation a part of your annual giving. We would also encourage you to take a moment to read about the recent recipient of the Nobel Prize for Medicine, Dr. Mario Capecchi, whose continuing work in the study of brain cancer was partially made possible through a grant from the PBTF. To find out more about his work, click on the following link: The PBTF’s primary fundraising efforts come through events called “The Ride for Kids.” For the year 2008, there are 37 of these events that are scheduled to be held across the country. Motorcycle riders are encouraged to obtain sponsorships for the PBTF and in return, they are treated to a beautiful ride through the surrounding area of the city. Last year the ride for Los Angeles started in Torrance, cruised along the beach and up through Palos Verdes before returning to Torrance for a celebration. The total ride was approximately 35 miles, and was completely free of red lights, as the police departments from various cities get together and donate all of the officers’ time so that riders can ride through the cities without any stops. In 2007, over 650 riders participated in the Los Angeles ride and raised approximately $250,000. This years’ ride will be held on May 4, 2008. In order to help promote the efforts of the PBTF there is an ever growing group of motorcycle riders committed to honoring the life of Scotty Ross through the PBTF and the Ride for Kids. This group has committed to raising $25,000 or more for the 2008 Ride For Kids that will be held in Torrance. Perhaps the greatest part of each ride is that many of the children currently afflicted with brain tumors or in remission participate as passengers during the ride. For those daredevils who are healthy enough to ride as passengers, they are treated like Kings and Queens as they pull out at the start of the ride. There are also several motorcycles which are outfitted with sidecars for children who may not be able to ride in the traditional fashion. During the 2007 ride, as you can see in the picture, Scotty led the entire procession, sitting in the side car of a motorcycle ridden by Louis Vanderveen (one of Scotty’s biggest supporters). It was truly an inspiring moment. While much of our fundraising in Scotty’s name will occur during this event (and any of you with motorcycles are encouraged to participate), we are also reaching out to others who would simply like to make a donation to honor Scotty Ross. We know we cannot reach our fundraising goal without outside contributions. The Ross Family and Scotty’s entire extended family would appreciate it if you would go to the link shown above and make a donation to the PBTF to honor the life of Scott Ross and help find a cure for pediatric brain cancer. All donations are tax deductible, and if you pay via credit card, you will be able to print out a statement with a record of your donation. If you would prefer to pay via check, please make checks payable to “PBTF/RFK” and send them to the following: Jack Watkinson We understand that most of you already have charities that you are committed to. However, we would appreciate it if you could find it in your hearts to make the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation part of your annual giving to making the world a better place to live. We appreciate your support and efforts to honor the memory of Scotty Ross. Sincerely, The extended Scotty Ross family |
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