“Unbelievably proud.” That’s how Ashleigh Hogan of Demorest describes how she feels about what her son and daughter are doing. 14-year-old Levi and his 12-year-old sister Hope are combining their passion for cycling with their compassion for others to help kids with cancer. They’ve each pledged to ride hundreds of miles in September with a goal to raise $2,500 each for the Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF).
The Hogan siblings are homeschoolers who participate in organized cycling as members of the Georgia Cycling Association Team, Yonah Composite. They’ll join thousands of riders from across the country next month participating in the 8th annual Great Cycle Challenge USA.
Accepting the Challenge
Founded in 2015, the Great Cycle Challenge has grown into one of the largest cycling events in the country. In just seven years, over 440,000 riders from 50 states have ridden 29.7 million miles, raising more than $52 million for research and development of better treatments and cures for childhood cancer.
This year, CCRF hopes over 60,000 riders will help raise more than $10 million. This is Levi’s third year participating.
“Over 15,000 American children are diagnosed with cancer every year and, sadly, 38 children die every week,” says Daniel Gumnit, Chief Executive Officer at Children’s Cancer Research Fund. “Thanks to riders like Levi, we’re fueling groundbreaking research to save lives and give kids the brighter future they deserve.”
During the past two Challenges, Levi rode 450 miles and raised $1,417.
“This year, I am aiming to raise $2,500 and ride 350 miles,” he says.
After seeing her brother pedal for a cure, Hope signed up for the Challenge this year. She plans to ride at least 150 miles.
Besides cycling, they’re raising money in other ways. Together, they’ve manned lemonade stands and sold artwork, friendship bracelets, and wooden keychains. They’ve used their own money to buy supplies and have directly donated to the cause. The money they’re raising will go to support research at leading pediatric cancer centers across America, their mom says.
“It’s made me unbelievably proud to see them take on this challenge in so many ways,” says Ashleigh Hogan. “They are very driven and determined to meet their fundraising and riding goals to help someone besides themselves.”
How you can help
If you’d like to support Levi and Hope in the Challenge, scan the QR code on the images below or visit their donation pages at greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/LeviHogan or greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/HopeHogan.
To participate in Great Cycle Challenge USA, visit GreatCycleChallenge.com.
