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Local Man Bikes Cross-Country For A Cure

By Jim Melwert

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Montgomery County man who survived cancer and then needed a heart transplant, leaves Saturday for a cross-country bike trip.

Derek Fitzgerald loaded up a van with everything he'll need, he's driving it to California.

On June 9th, he'll start on the Santa Monica pier and begin a 44-day trek across the country, ending in Avalon New Jersey.

"3,400 miles to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society," said Fitzgerald, "To raise awareness of heart health and to raise awareness of organ donation and transplantation."

Fitzgerald survived non-Hodgkins lymphoma, but chemotherapy destroyed his heart, forcing a transplant in 2011.

He and two friends plan to ride an average of 75 miles each day, a number he admited is terrifying.

"Is it anywhere close to the pain that I experienced going through cancer and heart failure and heart transplant?" said Fitzgerald. "No."

He's calling it "Tour for a Cure" and invites anyone to ride with him either in person or virtually. Learn more at recycledman.com.

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