73-year-old man bikes coast-to-coast to raise awareness for childhood hunger
REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Mark Strauss completed a massive milestone in his life, and did so via bike ride – a trip that began on April 17th.
The 73-year-old cyclist traveled from California to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, as part of No Kid Hungry.
The non-profit focuses on raising awareness for children fighting childhood hunger. Mark Strauss explains to WMDT why he decided this was his purpose.
“If you have a strong enough why, you can figure out how.”
When he reached the finish line, a celebration for him and his family. Champagne bottles, cheering, and elation as Strauss defied the odds and completed the trip to America.
“There are 14 million kids in the United States that may not know where their next 3 meals are coming from,” said Strauss.
No Kid Hungry funds school breakfasts and after-school meal programs, and helps communities reach kids in the summer and during emergencies.
The past 68 days, Strauss has traveled through the desert in the Southwest, like New Mexico, the farmland of the Midwest, like Missouri, and up north to Indiana.
Mark’s mindset is what made his wife, Karen, fall for him. “I know my husband, and when he sets his mind to doing something, he does it.”
He trusts his ride will support children facing hunger through advocacy for robust government policies. Adversity came calling during the journey, his “Body Mechanic” Scott Lampman talks about him facing troubles.
“About 12 days ago, he ran over some rough roads for about 4 miles, and it threw his back out and he went into spasms.”
Those spasms resulted in the trip to a chiropractor to make sure everything was working correctly. Lampman helped Mark through those trials and tribulations by giving massages before and after trips.
Lampman also played a pivotal role in making sure Mark’s body didn’t give out on him, promoting ice baths.
Mark would weather the storm. He used his motivation to help the vulnerable to make those long miles less painful. “This is why you are doing this Mark, keep it in mind and focus on the kids, and push through.”
His goal is to raise $1 million; so far, he’s raised $650,000 for the non-profit.
To donate, visit here.
