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Bob Gibbs is not taking his diagnosis of a brain tumor lying down. First he traveled to California and UCLA for surgery and to enroll in a clinical trial for a brain tumor vaccine. Now, in addition to his personal fight, he wants to raise awareness of brain tumors in general and further research into this deadly disease. Together with his wife, Barb, they came up with the idea for “Miles for Hope,” the first annual charity bike tour to support brain cancer research.
Sponsored by PureSport Sport Drinks, Miles for Hope will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20. The tour will begin at the Joe Dimaggio Sports Complex, 2450 Drew St., Clearwater, and include rides of 100k, 50k, and 10k along routes that have been carefully chosen for safety and enjoyment.
Each route will be fully supported by dedicated volunteers. Snacks and drinks will be provided and rest stops will be available throughout. The local sheriff’s department will be attending the event, and if requested will take pictures and digital fingerprints of all children (free of charge) for parents, should the child’s identity ever be needed. Also, there are plans for a children’s bike rodeo, which will also serve to introduce kids to biking safety.
All cyclists, advanced to beginners, can register for the ride by visiting www.MilesForHope.org, or on the day of the bike tour. Registration is $40 and includes an event T-shirt, lunch after the tour, and a “goody” bag. Check-in begins at 6 a.m.
Funds raised this year will support research into curing brain tumors. One promising line of research is the brain vaccine program at UCLA developed by Gibbs’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Linda Liau. The vaccine is individually customized to each patient, using cells taken from the tumor after it is surgically removed. Currently, the trial only takes patients with Grade III and IV tumors (tumors are graded from 1 to IV depending on their severity). But the Gibbs’ hope to expand future trials with the money they raise to allow people with Grade II tumors, as well as pediatric patients, to participate.
There are more than 120 types of brain tumors which makes effective treatment complicated, said Barbara Gibbs. “The general public remains unaware of the magnitude of the disease,” she says. “Dealing with the symptoms and deficits that a brain tumor causes can be difficult, but when you add no hope for a cure, that makes it that much more difficult.”
“With others who are joining us in our cause, it is our goal to raise at least $200,000 collectively through this event,” said Bob Gibbs. “No donation is too small, because every dollar brings us closer to aid in finding a cure for this otherwise terminal disease.”
Contact the Gibbs at 727-647-6548 or by email at
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