(PR) On October 10, Dangerbird Records co-founder, Jeff Castelaz, along with his friend and coach Rick Babington, will embark on a 30-day bike expedition across the entire United States, with the sole mission to improve the treatment experience for children with cancer. Castelaz's goal is to raise $1 million in funds and to increase awareness of pediatric cancer along the way. His pilgrimage is deeply rooted: he's riding in honor and remembrance of his 6-year old son, Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, whose individual fight with cancer ended June 27, 2009 after a 13-month battle.At the onset of Pablo's diagnosis, Castelaz and his wife Jo Ann Thrailkill founded The Pablove Foundation. Pablove Across America is Castelaz's physical show of commitment to fighting cancer. His message is urgent: kids get cancer too. Families need help and hope - not only to find a cure, but to increase joy and compassion during the day-to-day grind of treatment.
The 3,100-mile ride will begin in St. Augustine, Fla. and culminate at Pablo's grave at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Various guest cyclists such as Pablo's friend Lance Armstrong will join on different legs of the jaunt, as they cover 100-plus miles a day, six days a week. Two special benefit concerts will take place: one in Austin, Texas, at Emo's Jr. on October 28, one in Los Angeles November 21. Concert details will be announced shortly.
This extensive journey is just one of many ways Castelaz and his family - armed with Pablo's ever-inspiring spirit, love and boundless energy - continue to promote the purpose of the Pablove Foundation. Along the ride route, Castelaz will visit children's hospitals to connect with kids just like Pablo; he will also promote the Pablove Foudnation's mission in the media. A video crew will be alongside to document the journey and offer daily content online - anything to drive home the mission of the Pablove Foundation, and to keep Pablo's spirit alive.
The Pablove Foundation supports national pediatric cancer concerns with a focus on the pediatric cancer community in and around Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, where Pablo was treated. CHLA is a nonprofit hospital with a reputation as an international leader in providing state-of-the-art medical care for children. Each year they provide complex care for more than 93,000 children from across the United States and the world. The year-old foundation intends to announce its support of national programs beginning in 2010.
In conjunction with Pablove Across America, the foundation will hold a high-profile eBay charity auction, including celebrity experience and memorabilia items. Details will be in announced the next few weeks.
"Pablove Across America," says Castelaz, "is about standing up, hammering the pedals, speaking out - and FIGHTING back. We want people to support and spread our message that kids get cancer too. It's not somebody else's problem. As the Pablove Foundation community grows, we can make a sizable difference in peoples' lives."
Lance Armstrong once again lent his support while in Los Angeles this week, as he joined Castelaz for the official announcement and website launch. Video can be seen at: www.pablove.org.