Need a Reason to Ride? Bob Lee has 3…

Barrington resident Bob Lee recently embarked on, fingers crossed, a million dollar bike ride.

His third ride across the U.S., this 70-year-old departed from Vancouver, Canada on September 6th, heading to Tijuana, Mexico before circling back and crossing the finish line in San Diego where he began his first ride in 2001. Bob hopes to raise a million dollars for 3 causes while completing the 12,000-mile journey around the perimeter of the U.S. he began with his previous two rides.

His first reason for riding? Bob is a cancer survivor and is well aware of the struggles that millions face each day due to their diagnosis. A third of all funds raised through his travels will be donated to the American Cancer Society to continue developing leading-edge research.

His next reason involves Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or Lou Gherig’s Disease. Featured in Tuesdays with Morrie, this neuromuscular disorder weakens nerves and muscles and also can lead to impaired speaking, swallowing, breathing, paralysis and eventual death. Another third of the money raised by Bob will be put towards the Les Turner ALS Foundation and their research.

Inspired by his mother’s experience in hospice years ago, the final third of Bob’s raised funds will be used to increase hospice education as well as launch a program to encourage individuals to discuss and explain their end of life plans rather than leaving it to remaining family members. Bob rides to honor all hospice workers who tirelessly strive to support those who are struggling with illness and reaching their end of life.

Bob keeps his followers and supporters updated with daily blog and photo postings on the Ride for 3 Reasons site explaining the people he meets along his journey. Through sharing their stories, Bob continues to show not only how widespread and powerful these diseases and struggles are, but also our ever-increasing need to take action and fight against them.

Featured previously on MIB as a top female philanthropist, American Cancer Society Medal of Honor recipient Kim Duchossois also joined Bob for four days of his ride in mid-September. The Duchossois Family Foundation has donated over $100 million to charities, including $11 million to the American Cancer Society, and has been instrumental in providing 150,000 cancer patients in Illinois with expert caregivers and support.

You can get involved, too! Triple your donation today through the Pacesetter Challenge Matching Fund, which gives $2 for every dollar donated to A Ride for 3 Reasons. Donate online or by mail to support this incredible humanitarian with a big dream for a bright future.

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