Hartland Teen Biking 1,000 Miles to Raise Money and Awareness for Brother

For the third year in a row, a Hartland teen will be biking across country to help raise support for finding a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Jack Van Houten, a senior at Hartland High School, will be biking with a group of young people from the Jett Foundation, in honor of his brother, Kyle.

The group left Hartland last week and will bike 1,000 miles to their destination of Point Pleasant Beach in New Jersey. The route will take them across six states.

According to a press release, the JettRiders will then be escorted by police and fire departments to a local beach where the group will do a traditional "dipping their tires in the ocean" to symbolize the end of their journey.

"The boardwalk and beach will be filled with families from all over the country who wish to welcome the riders home and celebrate their journey," the press release stated. 

This year, a Duet wheelchair bicycle tandem will be available for boys they visit along the way. According to mother Julie Van Houten, Kyle was able to ride the bike with the group until the small road shoulder prevented him from going any farther down Old US 23.

"The JettRiders get their inspiration from their brothers, friends and cousins who have Duchenne and lack the muscle strength to ride a bike," said Jett Foundation Executive Director Christine McSherry. "While the Jett Foundation provides the opportunity, it is the riders who make the impact by challenging themselves and challenging Duchenne."

In order to participate in the trip, each rider raised over $4,000 to help fund the trip costs and Duchenne research efforts nationwide. 

To donate to the JettRide, click here.