A 20-year old university student is currently riding from coast to coast on a bicycle to raise money for lung cancer patients and make their lives easier.
Jack Owens is following in the pedalling path of his uncle John Matthews, who lost his mother to the disease in 2011. The loss of a beloved family member inspired John to create the non-profit Ride Hard Breathe Easy, which has been conducting annual fundraisers since 2019.
Two years prior, Matthews biked across the country the opposite way that his nephew is currently headed to raise funds for GO2 for Lung Cancer — a larger charity involved with multiple initiatives for combatting the disease. This endeavour was a significant part of Jack’s inspiration for the ongoing trip.
Ride Hard Breathe Easy has helped approximately 2,000 patients suffering from the terrible respiratory condition since its inception.
It focuses on paying for their grocery and utility bills.
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Charity has raised about US$1 million to date
This year, Jack’s aim was to add US$100,000 to the total on his 3,600 mile 47-day ride from California to New Jersey. He has pulled together more than US$42,000 thus far.
The University of Notre Dame business scholar has been tackling about 90 miles per day since May. 20 and will be arriving on Jul. 6.
Recently, Owens has stopped at multiple institutions and cancer care facilities in the eastern U.S. to raise funds and awareness. These include his own school, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Jefferson Health, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School and the Fox Chase Cancer Center.
“He’s showing us what it means to lead with heart, humility, and determination,” said Matthews. “Every mile Jack rides helps raise awareness and funds to support lung cancer patients and their families.”
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Owens and his grandmother several years ago. Photo credit: Jack Owens
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