Motorcyclists will cruise through Gordon County on April 10 for the Brittany Foundation’s 10th annual “Ride for a Miracle” to raise money for children who are suffering from life-threatening pediatric brain tumors.

The event was created 10 years ago in honor of cancerous brain tumor survivor, Brittany Mincey.

Brittany’s mother, Cindy Mincey, said this is Brittany’s 15th year as a brain tumor survivor, and she will be turning 21 in mid-April. She enjoys riding with her father on the back of his motorcycle during the “Ride for a Miracle” events.

Mincey said she and her husband felt a need to start a foundation for other local residents and their families who are going through what they experienced with their daughter.

“We started (the ride) to raise money for needy families because we know what it’s like to have a child in a life-threatening situation,” said Mincey.

She said the first time the Foundation hosted this event, they started out with more than 1,000 participants, but over the years they have seen the number decrease to 200.

“I think the economy has a lot to do with the decrease in (motorcycle participants), but we are hoping for a large turnout this year, but it depends on the weather,” she said.

Mincey said light rain does not stop the bikers from riding, but if the weather becomes too severe the event will not proceed.

Members of the Brittany Foundation have raised more than $100,000 thus far, and have dispersed the proceeds to locals and various children’s hospitals for the treatment of young people afflicted with life-threatening illnesses.

This year, all earnings will go directly to Calhoun residents in need, Mincey said.

Mincey said a great deal goes into making this event happen and it means a lot to her when she sees people take time out of their schedules to contribute and help with the event in different ways.

Every time the Foundation hosts the event they usually have a crew of two dozen volunteers to help out, she said.

“It touches my heart when I see people line up to cheer us on when we are riding (for the event) and I just hope and desire that the public comes out to cheer us on again this year since it’s our last year hosting this event,” Mincey explained.

This is the last year for “Ride for a Miracle,” but Mincey said it is not the end of the Brittany foundation,

Mincey said the foundation is currently brainstorming other fundraising ideas to continue to help Calhoun children in need.

The excursion will start and finish in the parking lot of Gordon Central High School, in Calhoun, and the registration will begin at 8 a.m. and all riders will fire up their motors at 10 a.m. for a two-hour scenic drive, said Cindy Mincey,

When bikers complete the ride, they will eat a catered lunch in the GCHS parking lot, and they will have the opportunity to partake in planned activities.