By Rob Amen
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, May 17, 2007

Brian McCandless pedaled away Wednesday morning from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Oakland, heading downhill into the rain and out of sight.

It’s just another hill he has conquered in his lifelong fight against cystic fibrosis.

McCandless, 19, of Center Township in Butler County and a freshman at Slippery Rock University, began a 2,000-mile, round-trip bike ride to Tallahassee, Fla., to raise awareness about the incurable genetic disease — which affects more than 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

“That was my intention,” McCandless, born with the disease, said before leaving. “Point to me and say: ‘This is what kids with cystic fibrosis are doing.’

“This disease does not have to beat us, and my goal is to give hope to children who are diagnosed with this disease.”

McCandless plans to cycle about 100 miles a day and return home June 10 — his 20th birthday.

He has received medical clearance, but Dr. David Orenstein, director of the cystic fibrosis center at Children’s, said McCandless’ biggest concerns will be staying hydrated and guarding against fatigue.

“He’s a terrific young man and a terrific example for everybody, but especially for someone with cystic fibrosis,” Orenstein said.

Friends and family members will drive a van and accompany McCandless along the way; however, he will ride alone for most of the trip.

“He came up with this idea all on his own,” said his mother, Debbie. “He’s amazed at how it’s grown. I never thought he would be a spokesman for cystic fibrosis.”

Her advice: “Call Mom at the end of every day.”

Rob Amen can be reached at ramen@tribweb.com or (412)-320-7982.