335 Miles for Miles

Local Washingtonian Mike Monroe, an avid bicyclist, crossed the finish line on May 15 by riding into Children’s National after an arduous journey in his fight against food allergies. Inspired by his son, Miles, who lives with food allergies, Mike undertook a 335-mile ride along the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania to Washington, DC. Mike’s effort has raised more than $34,000, which will help fund clinical food allergy research at Children's National under the leadership of Dr. Hemant Sharma.

“This is a life or death situation for our children,” Mike said. “That is why I’ve pushed myself to my limits, because Miles and other kids like him have to constantly push themselves to be alert of the threats around them.”

Food allergy affects 1 in 13 kids in the United States, and the number is growing. Across the country, life-threatening allergies are increasing in prevalence. This reality poses a danger to children and young adults, who often lack the awareness, knowledge, or tools to ensure their safety everywhere they go – at school, in the community, and even in their own homes. There is currently no cure, but early research into potential treatments for food allergy appears promising.  Children’s National was just named a Center of Excellence for Research by Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and will begin its first clinical trials in peanut allergies.

The ride stretched from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Cumberland, Md., to the front doors of Children’s National. In just 26 hours and 29 minutes, Mike became the first person to continuously ride the 335 miles of trail system, a course that most people complete in four to six days. Learn more or make a donation.