Our Story

The inspiration for Research For The Kids is Sarah Reiss and Matthew Wessels. Both experienced the outstanding service, care, compassion, and talent of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. This event would not be possible without our families, our dedicated committee, our volunteers, and the support of so many generous people.

Matthew

Matthew Wessels, son of Brian and Amanda (McClain) Wessels and brother to John, Luke, and Samantha, from Zwingle, was born with a heart condition that required three open-heart surgeries along with multiple catheterizations, tests, and treatments. In 2022 it was determined that Matthew needed a heart transplant. The miracle of a new heart came to him on December 27, 2022. Today he continues to recover and is doing well.

Sarah

Sarah Reiss, daughter of Mark and Julie (McClain) Reiss, was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor, in May of 2008. She went through surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, a stem cell transplant, and countless procedures. Sarah's courageous fight ended on September 29, 2010. She was just 22. We miss her beyond words.

Her memory and spirit continue through her sisters and their families: Molly and Josh Kluesner (children Beau, Will, and Kate) and Megan and Chris Jones (children Maren, Monroe, and Emmett).

Why we ride

So for Sarah, for Matthew, and for many other kids, we organize this ride every September to raise money for the Brain Tumor and Heart Defect Research Programs at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.

We are making a difference. We need to find cures so families do not have to go through what we went through.

• Every day, more than a classroom full of kids are diagnosed with some type of brain tumor.
• Congenital heart defects are America's number one birth defect. Nearly one of every 100 babies is born with a CHD.

Thank you, and God bless.