Teen Bikes 180 Miles To Raise Awareness For Childhood Cancer

MOKENA, IL — 13-year-old Kayla Rompala has biked over 180 miles for the Great Cycle Challenge, which raises awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.

Kayla, who is an eighth grader at Mokena Junior High, had a goal of riding 150 miles in September for the Challenge, and has surpassed her goal by over 30 miles. She has ridden 185.3 miles as of Sept. 28.

Theresa Rompala, Kayla's mom, told Patch that Kayla has ridden her bike with her grandfather since she was seven or eight.

She said Kayla, who is also a swimmer, loved doing Jump Rope for Heart as a kid and enjoyed doing something active to raise awareness.

"It's kind of the same thing [as Jump Rope for Heart]," Theresa said. "This is about helping kids with cancer, riding your bike and getting out awareness."

Not only has Kayla surpassed her mileage goal, but she has also surpassed her fundraising goal. Kayla originally had a goal of $250, but has now raised $3,407.15, which will go to the Children's Cancer Research Fund.

Kayla's longest ride this month has been a 25-mile ride.

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