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.