Team Honda HRC Progressive, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation Team up at Fort Worth SMX
- American Honda and PBTF have partnered on a variety of projects for over 30 years
- Collaboration highlights “Imaginary Friend Society” characters who help child patients
FORT WORTH, Texas (September 13, 2024) – This morning at the second round of the SuperMotocross series, Team Honda HRC Progressive revealed special looks for their race bikes and riders, as a part of the team’s collaboration this weekend with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). The only organization dedicated to meeting families’ needs along every step of their cancer journey, the PBTF has collaborated with and partnered with Honda on a variety of fundraising and awareness projects for over 30 years.
The partnership highlights the “Imaginary Friend Society,” a cast of cartoon characters inspired by the imaginations of kids themselves. Through a series of 20 animated short films, the Imaginary Friends explain a wide range of complicated cancer topics in a way that kids can understand, thereby removing some of the fear associated with treatment.
At Texas Motor Speedway this weekend, each Team Honda HRC Progressive rider is paired with a different Imaginary Friend, who is featured on that rider’s gear and Throttle Jockey bike graphics: Defending SMX Champion Jett Lawrence and “Mr. Spikes” (a Tyrannosaurus Robot who explains what to expect with medical procedures like blood transfusions); Hunter Lawrence and “Charlie” (a sharp dresser who explains that MRIs are really just a fancy way of taking photos inside your body); Chance Hymas and “Blu” (a furry azure character who shares secrets on how to reduce the fear and pain that often goes with getting shots); and Jo Shimoda and “Ninja” (a multitalented white blood cell who has kids’ backs in a number of different areas).
In addition to racing with special graphics and gear, Team Honda HRC Progressive is partnering with PBTF on several other activities this race weekend: Yesterday, a group of patient families, fundraisers and supporters attended a happy hour at Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda. This morning, the riders and several team members are visiting patients at the Infusion Center in Cook Children’s Medical Center, just down the road from the race venue. This afternoon, participants will be given a truck tour and rider meet-and-greet. And tomorrow, 12-year-old patient Travis and his family will be hosted by the team for the entire day.
“We at American Honda are big believers in the PBTF and their mission to help families of young cancer patients,” said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Advertising. “Although we’ve partnered on many projects over the years, this time it’s been fun to have PBTF literally ‘team up’ with our race squad. Our riders are extremely popular with many young fans, and we’re proud that they’re helping the Imaginary Friend Society deliver important messages to young patients.”
“For over 30 years, American Honda has partnered with PBTF in supporting their mission to assist families affected by pediatric brain tumors,” said Jeremy McGuire, American Honda Director of Customer Engagement. “For this weekend specifically, it will be extra special to have our riders representing characters on their gear and bikes from the Imaginary Friend Society, that kids both in person and watching at home can connect with. It brings immense joy to the whole Honda team to be part of this weekend’s event and share the experience with the kids and their families.”
“For more than three decades, Honda has supported PBTF’s mission, and the many families affected by pediatric brain tumors that we serve,” said Courtney Davies, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation President and CEO. “We’re thrilled to see Team Honda HRC Progressive bring our Imaginary Friend Society to life for the SuperMotocross World Championship.”
Following the Fort Worth SMX round, the special bodywork will be autographed and auctioned off to benefit the PBTF. For information on how to bid, or to make a donation, please visit the PBTF website.
###
Editors: Additional information and assets can be found at HondaNews.com
About Honda Power Sports & Products
Honda Power Sports & Products is a business unit of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., to conduct the sales, marketing and operational activities for power equipment and powersports products through independent authorized Honda retail dealers in the United States. Honda powersports products include motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides. Honda power equipment products include generators, walk-behind lawn mowers, pumps, snow blowers, tillers, string trimmers, outboard marine engines and small, general-purpose engines for residential, commercial and rental applications.
About the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Since 1991, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation has led the way in funding research into pediatric brain tumors, supporting families affected by this disease, and advocating for policies that help patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Dedicated wholly to addressing this rare disease and guided by the experiences of patients, survivors, their parents, and siblings, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the only organization to meet families’ needs along every step of their cancer journey. The foundation’s Imaginary Friends Society animated video series, available in English and Spanish, provides answers, smiles, and support to kids facing cancer.
The largest patient advocacy funder of pediatric brain tumor research, the foundation also funds and advocates for innovative projects that lead to vital discoveries, new clinical trials, and better treatments – all bringing us closer to a cure. We’re able to do that because of people and partners committed to supporting families and ending childhood brain cancer. Learn more at curethekids.org.
