The Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour Comes to Philly

John Ellis and Jamaal Warren, two 17-year-olds from Pensacola, Fla., have set out on a 1,100 mile journey riding their bicycles from Pensacola to Philadelphia to help raise awareness of hepatitis B. John was diagnosed with hepatitis B in 2006. Instead of being discouraged by this devastating medical diagnosis, John turned the news into an opportunity to raise awareness about the virus. With a passion for cycling and a desire to help raise funds to find a cure for the disease, John contacted the Hepatitis B Foundation with an idea to organize an East Coast bicycle ride, the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour. Jamaal, John’s best friend and several family members are joining John on his trek to Philadelphia.

John and Jamaal’s journey began on June 2 at John’s high school in Pensacola and will end in Philadelphia on Monday, June 23 – John’s 18th birthday! On Monday morning, area cyclists and supporters are welcome to join John and Jamaal at the Philadelphia Marriott West in West Conshohocken at 8:30AM to cycle the last leg of the boys’ journey. They will ride 10 miles from Conshohocken to Kelly Drive where Foundation members, Philadelphia dignitaries, John and Jamaal’s family and friends and local supporters will welcome John and Jamaal to Philadelphia. Follow John and Jamaal as they ride up the Atlantic Coast by visiting the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour blog or to learn about donating to John’s cause, visit www.hepb.org.

If you have any questions about joining John and Jamaal on the last leg of their journey, their journey and John’s story or would like to support the Foundation’s cause – please feel free to reach out to the Hepatitis B Foundation at 215-489-4900 or go to www.hepb.org.