The Votes Are In!
2023 Readers' Choice is back, bigger and better than ever!
View Winners → 
Monrovia High Senior Bikes 550 Miles for Pediatric Cancer Research
Education Oct 11, 2018
Monrovia High senior Nathan Hickey biked 550 miles down the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research. – Courtesy photo / MUSD
by
share with
Monrovia High senior Nathan Hickey biked 550 miles down the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. – Courtesy photo / MUSD
Monrovia High senior Nathan Hickey was about seven years old when he first raised money for pediatric cancer research by biking 30 miles in one day. Now, he has taken those efforts to a new level by biking 550 miles down the California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6.
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 for children’s cancer after seeing family members battle cancer. Currently, two uncles and two aunts of his are fighting cancer. His cousin passed away from 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.
“Congratulations to Nathan for completing his ride and for gaining large support for a great cause,” Board of Education President Terrence Williams said. “His dedication to the community is a great lesson for all of us.”
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 here.
“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.”
