SEBASTIAN — In its fifteenth year, the TLC Preschool Trike-A-Thon is raising money for one of their own fighting cancer. Fourteen years prior the event raised money donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, this year it is being donated to the Farmer family for Kirsten’s medical bills after talking it over with St. Jude.
Seventy riders raced around flags and tires to screams of encouragement from their classmates behind the fences of the playground.
During the first heat, Brooke Farmer, 2, raced for her sister Kirsten Farmer, 6, who has been diagnosed with Leukemia.
Before the racing started, kids in their groups shouted their cheers to get them pumped up.
“I was told Brooke needs to win for her sister,” said Brooke and Kirsten’s mom, Danielle Farmer.
This year the route included a pass closer to the cheering classmates, which some of the younger riders bypassed for an easier path.
“Usually we have nine Spiderman bikes and all the girls’ bikes are pink,” said Juelie Perry, owner and director of TLC Preschool.
Brooke, was of course riding a pink bike for her sister Kirsten.
Kirsten is being treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando.
“That’s the hard part, (Kirsten’s) upset she’s starting to lose her hair,” said Danielle.
Despite the horror parents feel when they think of their child being diagnosed with cancer the faces of the children brought smiles and tears to some parents faces.
