RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Beckley Fire Captain Chris Graham’s best friend passed away from cancer, and he can’t imagine the strength and courage it takes to have a child with cancer.
Enrolling in the Children’s Cancer Research Fund Great Cycle Challenge has allowed him the opportunity to give back.
“I ride 100 miles on my bicycle one month out of the year and try to raise a modest amount, maybe $500, and donations,” Graham said, adding that he logs his rides and every little bit helps.”
It’s up to the captain where he pedals, with Southern West Virginia providing a beautiful backdrop.
“I’ll take my bike to the soccer field or around my neighborhood,” said Graham. “I’m lucky I have a good neighborhood I can ride in. Anywhere I can put the rubber to the road and go.”
According to the captain, he loves being outside and riding a two-wheeler.
“Even from the time I was a kid, I was always out on my bicycle. It’s something that keeps me young, I think; I feel young at heart anyway,” Graham said. “And it gives me a little bit of purpose.”
We often take life for granted.
“My daughter, I’m blessed. She’s always been healthy. Seeing people who have children with cancer, my heart goes out to them,” the captain said, adding that he wants to enable CCRF to continue its lifesaving work and find a cure for childhood cancer.
The Great Cycle Challenge app provides statistics.
“I can look at the app and it tells me where I’ve placed in my state and area,” Graham said. “There are teams of people who ride; I do solo rides. “It’s a big event across the country, and they raise a good bit of money.”
The captain says he’s been lucky, exceeding his goal of raising $500 a year. By the end of 2025, he will have ridden more than 820 miles.
“I’ve never asked the city or fire department to sponsor me,” said Graham. “It’s something I took upon myself to do.”
TO SUPPORT CHRIS’ JOURNEY
https://greatcyclechallenge.com/riders/ChrisGraham
