Former Oklahoman Ends 440 Mile Trek for Cancer Research in OKC

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A former Oklahoman ended a 440 mile journey in Oklahoma City Monday. Dennis Voyles swam, cycled and ran from Louisiana to Oklahoma to honor friends and family who are battling cancer.

Supporters gathered at the finish line to welcome him and other runners home.

Voyles lost his brother-in-law to brain cancer five years ago.

"When he got brain cancer, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to him when he died to do a long run in his honor," Dennis Voyles said.

Voyles was also running for his grandson, Carson, and his wife, Shelia. Both of them developed brain tumors.

And Voyles found new inspiration for his ride just weeks ago.

"I just had a friend die two weeks ago, John Cook of Tulsa. John's wife sent me a note saying if I get tired and feel wind, that's John pushing my back and I'm feeling him right now," said Voyles.

The 60-year-old and his wife say they're accomplishing their goal to raise awareness and money for cancer research.

"That's what we're all about is hope. And we have to have that hope that they'll find a cure somewhere down the line. To get that cure we've got to fund research," Shelia Voyles said.

All proceeds are donated by the Team Underwood Foundation to help fund cancer research programs.

Voyles was a star cross country runner at Southeast High School. The idea for the run came about at a Southeast High School 40th Class Reunion event.