Sometimes, the loudest engines can carry the softest hearts.

The 28th Annual Kids and Cancer Benefit Run returned to the area July 26, drawing nearly 300 participants and raising vital funds to support local families and individuals in medical crises.

This year’s ride marked another major milestone, the 20th anniversary of the Harley of Hope. This year’s bike was a six-speed 2025 Street Glide in billiard grey. It featured a 117-cubic-inch liquid cooled motor and fixed fairing on the front. It was won by Larry Yeager of Rew. Justin Burton came in second place, taking home $1,000. Grant Simko was in third place, taking home a $250 gift card to Harley-Davidson of Jamestown, N.Y.

In total, 289 riders took part in the 100-mile scenic journey, which included stops at the Eldred American Legion, Tubby’s Tavern in Emporium and the Crosby American Legion before concluding with an afterparty on East Main Street in Bradford.

Beyond the sound of revving engines in cheering crowds, this year’s run was especially poignant as the organization has seen a 63 percent increase in local aid requests this year.

“We have seen an overwhelming need for assistance in the local area,” said Dorie Meabon, of the Kids and Cancer board. “People in our area are struggling so we wanted to keep our funds as local as we can.”

Traditionally, funds from the ride have supported national institutions such as UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, N.Y., and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. However, due to the surge in local need, this year’s donations have so far gone exclusively to Bradford’s CARE for Children.

Kids and Cancer also provides $500 Visa gift cards to families and individuals who are facing serious illness, helping them cover costs like hotel stays, food and fuel. Last year, the organization helped 53 families. So far this year, they have already helped more than 80.

“There are many expenses associated with a serious diagnosis that insurance just won’t cover,” said Meabon. “We want to bridge that gap.”

During the opening ceremony, cancer survivor Lori Sisler delivered an inspiring speech about her journey. She has penned a memoir about her experience entitled “Scarred, not Broken: A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Story.” The book is available on Amazon.

Adding to the spirit of giving, students and staff from Fretz Middle School presented a check for $4,000 to Kids and Cancer prior to the start of the event.

The Kids and Cancer board are expected to meet some time within the next month to tally up exactly how much money was raised. They have said they are “extremely close to the million dollar mark.”

“We think we may have surpassed it but we can’t say for sure until we sit and look at the numbers together,” said Meabon.