Monrovia High Senior Bikes 550 Miles for Pediatric Cancer Research

The funds he’s raised since he first started biking go toward The Pablove Foundation, an organization that supports children diagnosed with cancer by donating to cancer research, including funds raised through sale of photos taken by children with cancer.
 
”Doing this ride for The Pablove Foundation is huge and I can reach a whole new audience, especially since I’m one of the youngest riders doing the whole ride,” Hickey said. “I can really put my message out through my own biking – pediatric cancer is really underfunded, and kids getting cancer is really a scary thing. No one wants to be put through that.”
 
Hickey was inspired to raise awareness of children’s cancer after seeing family members battle the cancer. Currently, two uncles and two aunts are fighting cancer. His cousin passed away to brain cancer a few years ago. After his father introduced him to mountain biking, and he was connected with the founders of The Pablove Foundation, he decided to use his hobby to help the organization’s mission.
 
“It’s cool to help and to be doing something with my skills,” Hickey said.
 
Hickey is a varsity member of Monrovia High’s mountain bike team and a junior ambassador for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. He gives speeches and volunteers at the hospital with patients.
 
Hickey rode 30 to 50 miles a day to train for the 550-mile ride. He’s raised well over his $7,500 goal and continues to gain the support of community members. Donate to his fundraising page at: https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1270870.
 
“Monrovia Unified educates exceptional scholars who reach above and beyond in their academic goals, and also become active citizens in their communities to give back to those in need,” Monrovia Unified Superintendent Dr. Katherine Thorossian said. “I am proud to see our students use their talents to benefit the lives and well-being of others.”