Family Raising Money For Cancer Research Visits OKC During Cross-Country Walk

A Houston family said they are remembering their late daughter with a 4,000-mile walk.

Monday, January 26th 2015, 7:02 pm

By: Karl Torp


A Houston family said they are remembering their late daughter with a 4,000-mile walk.

The Cobbs said they are hoping to raise awareness and money for childhood cancer research.

On October 29, 2013, on the last day of her ‘Make a Wish' trip to Disney World, 8-year-old Julia Cobb lost her battle with a rare bone cancer.

“We wanted the whole world to know her…at least through us,” said Julia's father, Jonathan Cobb.

Less than a year after her death, the family came up with the idea to walk from Disneyland in California all the way to Disney World in Orlando.

“We are hoping to make an impact out here by raising $413,000 for cancer research,” said Julia's mother, Jennifer.

Julia was given the nickname ‘Ju' and during her battle with cancer her family held strong to the motto, ‘Ju can, you can, God can.'

The saying was printed on the back of the shirts the parents along with Ju's three other siblings wear during their walks each day.

The younger kids said they take turns walking the daily 20-mile grind. The family has packed their belongings in a Suburban that tows a trailer.

“I think God plans these things and they happen for a reason,” said Ju's 13-year-old brother, Jonathan Cobb Jr.

The family was nearly half way to Orlando and raised close to $20,000, so far.

The Cobbs told News 9, they aren't in a hurry and will often take routes that allow them to visit with cancer patients at hospitals along the way.

Their journey across the country began in August of last year. The Cobbs said they hope to make it to Orlando by May or June. 

Learn more about their walk.

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