ABA's Race for Life Series

Be Involved

Did you know you don't have to be an ABA member to help in the fight against Leukemia & Lymphoma?  Give a ABA BMX "Race For Life" donation envelope to a friend.  They can help with a great cause, be eligible for great prizes, plus they can try out the great sport of ABA BMX.

Start Now

After you have received your collection envelope for the ABA BMX "Race For Life", you need to start collecting donations from your friends, relatives, neighbors, and businesses in your community.  Instruct the donors to make checks payable to the Leukemia "Race For Life".  When you go back to the track, put all the checks in the envelope but don't seal it because the track operator will have to verify what you have collected in order for you to be eligible to compete for the ABA BMX/Intense/THE/FLY Racing awards that will be given away.  If you need more envelopes see your track operator or drop us a line at www.ababmx.com.

The Todd Kingsbury Story

It was the summer of 1980, in the bountiful BMX infested state of Michigan.  The current leader in district points was an 11 year old BMX enthusiast named Todd Kingsbury.  Like many kids his age Todd lived and breathed BMX 24 hours a day.  However, during this summer Todd went from winning his mains to barely making it out of his motos.  Something was wrong.

It wasn't until a Michigan State Championship race in July, that Todd crashed and had to get his arm checked out.  Like most BMX accidents everything checked out fine, but his arm kept hurting the following week.  After getting bumped at school his arm swelled up to the size of a grapefruit.  The Kingsbury's became real concerned and decided it was time for a thorough examination.  Todd would spend the next nine days in and out of the hospital, enduring many tests and exams while at the same time dreaming of someday becoming a BMX Pro.

Finally, the diagnosis was complete.  The doctor explained the disease to Todd and his parents.  Todd had Leukemia.

Todd was now faced with the biggest race of his life; his race for life.

In July of 1981, when the ABA staff learned of Todd Kingsbury's diagnosis of leukemia, the "family like" sport of BMX decided to pitch in and help.  1981 would mark the first year that the AMERICAN BICYCLE ASSOCIATION began their traditional "Race For Life" series, with all the proceeds going to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to help find a cure for the kids such as Todd.

BMX showed that it really cared that year with 130 ABA tracks putting on Race for Life's raising an amazing $223,000.  Although weakened by the disease Todd continued to ride and worked harder than anyone for Michigan's "Race For Life" at the Waterford Oaks BMX track.  Todd was to be the honorary Race Director for that race and told a reporter, "This might help other people from getting it."

Todd passed away September 13, 1981 and was laid to rest in his Powerlite uniform, taking with him a part of the sport he loved.  In his twelve years, Todd touched many parents and racers.  He is remembered in the hearts of all BMXers each year, as every ABA BMX track holds a "Race For Life" in hopes of someday there will be a cure for leukemia and a deserving boy such as Todd can live a full life.

Taken from the January/February 2008 issued of the BMXer.