(photo courtesy of the North Kitsap Herald)
Paging Lance Armstrong and all cancer-hating cyclists: a fourteen year old in Washington state is biking the Seattle Gran Fondo to raise money for cancer research in honor of his grandfather, who is fighting mesothelioma.
The only thing stopping the high school freshman from entering the race? A bike that's too small for his still-growing frame. The North Kitsap Herald reports that Gavin Middleton (pictured above with grandfather Richard Anderson) plans to ride his mountain bike for the July 23rd race, although it is not meant for racing and was bought before he hit the 6 foot mark.
Local business owner Beth Brewster told the paper:“He needs a road bike. He’s looking to do the 30 miles to honor his family.” And to raise money for mesothelioma sufferers like his grandfather. The two cancer foundations the young man and other cyclists are raising money for are LIVESTRONG and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Richard Anderson, currently battling mesothelioma, spoke of his grandson with pride:
“It might be because he is closer to it than most kids,” Anderson said. “He’s been living around us all this time when we were going through these different battles.”
Anderson added, “But he’s a cut of a different cloth.”
This young man's goal is more than admirable, and his bicycle problem could be easily fixed. If you live in the Seattle area and have a men's racing bike to spare, you can help Gavin race for his grandfather and raise money for mesothelioma research.
Of course, if you do not live in the area and do not have a men's road bike to spare, you can help by spreading his story to people who might be able to help. It's not winning that he cares about, but raising awareness: “If I manage to get in 758th place, I wouldn’t care,” Gavin said. “I’m excited for it and can’t wait.”
Good luck, Gavin, and good luck Mr. Anderson.
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