A college student embarked on a cross country bike ride to raise awareness for ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, after his father died from the incurable illness. INSIDE EDITION caught up with the brave young man to hear his story.
With Father's Day weekend coming up, one college student found a very special way to honor his late dad.
John Sullivan, a devoted father, loving husband, and avid sportsman was just 49 when he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Sullivan died just seven months later from the incurable disease, which attacks the motor neurons.
His younger son, Taylor (who is known as TJ to his friends), had just graduated high school.
With his father's memory in mind, TJ and his best friend, Jim Forrey, saddled up to bike cross-country to raise money to find a curse for ALS. At a time when most kids are working to bulk up their resumes, these college sophomores chose to ride 3,762 miles from San Francisco to Virginia with one goal in mind: to make a difference.
"He always said try and give back, do great things, reach for the stars, and I think this is just what he was talking about," TJ said. "It felt like a great way to honor my father's legacy."
INSIDE EDITION was with the duo when they set off across the Golden Gate Bridge. As they cross 16 states and 3 mountain ranges, they're taking readers with them through their blog, posting pictures as they trek across the United States.
"I think he'd be very proud of both of us," TJ said.
If you're interested in learning more about the ride for ALS, please click here.
