Cyclists Ride From LA To San Francisco To Raise Awareness For Pediatric Cancer

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Forty cyclists have embarked on a week-long journey to San Francisco to help raise awareness and fight pediatric cancer.

At 7:30 a.m. on Monday, the seventh annual Pablove Across America ride kicked off from Griffith Park.

The group of riders are expected to make rest stops in Ventura, Solvang, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Monterey and Santa Cruz before concluding the 500-mile trip at Crissy Field in San Francisco on Sunday.

During the trip, each morning will begin with a dedication to honor a child who is fighting cancer.

Pablove Across America, founded by Jo Ann Thrailkill and Jeff Castelaz, was created in honor of their son, Pablo Thrailkill Castelaz, who lost his yearlong battle with bilateral Wilms tumor at the age of 6.

"Pablove's mission is based on our own journey with childhood cancer," explained Thrailkill and Castelaz. "We ride to support the mission so that we can contribute to the betterment of lives of people who are affected by pediatric cancer."

The foundation invests in underfunded pediatric cancer research while working to improve the lives of children battling cancer.

Since 2010, cyclists have raised more than $2 million and have logged over 8,000 miles nationwide.

This year's ride has raised $600,000 for the Pablove Shutterbugs program, which teaches the art of photography to children battling cancer, along with childhood research grants.

For more information about Pablove Across America or to make a donation online, click here.