Cancer Survivor to Begin 6,500-Mile Bike Ride from Jacksonville's Baptist Cancer Institute
Cross-Country Journey Will Raise Funds, Awareness on Cancer, ALS and Hospice

Jacksonville, Florida, March 28, 2007 -- Baptist Cancer Institute (BCI) will be the starting point for a cyclist, also a cancer survivor, who is launching an awareness and fundraising campaign called "A Ride for 3 Reasons" by cycling across the country.

Barrington, Illinois, resident, Bob Lee, 65, an advocate for physical fitness and charitable giving, will begin a 6,500-mile, cross-country journey on Thursday, March 29, from Baptist Cancer Institute in San Marco in hopes of raising funds and awareness for three causes: cancer, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) and hospice care.

Lee will cycle from the First Coast into Georgia and continue north to the coast of Maine. He will then fly to the state of Washington, where he will ride across the northern tier of the country and back to Maine.

"My goal is to raise awareness for the challenges faced by cancer patients, ALS victims and our families faced with end-of-life issues. I also want to raise funds and give people hope," says Lee. "ALS is a most horrific disease of the neuromuscular system and cancer has affected me, as well as many people whom we know. Also, hospice was helpful to me during my mother's death. Not enough people know about the good works of hospice."

His inspiration came from reading the book Tuesdays with Morrie and surviving colon cancer. An advocate for physical fitness and charitable giving, he created "A Ride for 3 Reasons." In 2001, Lee embarked on a similar journey and cycled 3,254 miles from California to Florida. During that trip, he raised $86,000 for research for ALS and for hospice awareness.

"Sometime I'd like to do the whole perimeter of country. Upon completion of the ride, I will have completed three legs and I dream of doing the last leg when I'm 70," he says.

"It is wonderful to see someone inspired to give back in such a way and we're pleased that Mr. Lee has opted to come to Jacksonville to launch his 2007 Ride for 3 Reasons," says Diane Raines, chief nursing officer for Baptist Health. "We wish Mr. Lee luck and safety on his ride and support him in his efforts to bring awareness to the issues facing so many of our citizens."

Lee will ride as far as he can each day; he carries all his supplies with him. He plans to see friends along the way, as well as visit with cancer and ALS patients, along with hospice support groups. The entire trip will take about six months, Lee says. He hopes to raise at least $500,000 and all donations will be divided among three charities: the American Cancer Society, Les Turner ALS Foundation, and National Hospice Foundation.

"With 'A Ride for 3 Reasons,' I hope to inspire understanding, activate fundraising and jump-start cures," says Lee, who encourages local residents to get screened for cancer and stay physically active.

For more information on Lee's ride, visit the "A Ride for 3 Reasons" web site, where he will share his journey through photos and a journal.