13-Sep-09 12:00 PM CST

SNO Mourns the Passing of Mike Traynor

With heavy hearts, we regret to announce that Mike Traynor, President of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and co-founder of the Ride for Kids®, passed away on September 12, 2009, after a brief illness. He was 70. The SNO family and the entire neuro-oncology community mourns the loss of an extraordinary man, who was devoted to improving the lives of children with brain tumors.

When Mike and Dianne Traynor founded the Ride for Kids® over 25 years ago, their mission was to bring the motorcycle community together to fight childhood brain tumors. Mike was gratified that motorcyclists have helped to raise more than $50 million for the cause to date, and that PBTF-funded research is increasing survival rates and improving treatment options for children around the world.

Mike and Dianne had been planning for their eventual retirement for some time, and had taken steps to build a robust staff of capable people to continue their work. Today the Ride for Kids® and PBTF are stronger than ever, thanks to their dedicated volunteers and staff.

“For many years the army of volunteers task force members and the motorcycling public have dedicated themselves to beating this devastating disease,” said Brian Traynor, Executive Director of the PBTF. “The best way we can honor Mike’s accomplishments and memory is by continuing the fight to cure the kids.”

Funeral arrangements are pending. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the PBTF in Mike's memory. Click here to make a secure online donation. Condolences should be sent to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, 302 Ridgefield Ct., Asheville, NC 28806.

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