Man Walks Across The Country To Bring Awareness To Pediatric Cancer

Cancer survivor Cody O’Connor is walking across the country to raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

The 25-year-old started at New York City and is now halfway in Oklahoma City. The end goal is Santa Monica.

He was 14 years old when doctors diagnosed him with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare type of bone cancer.

O'Connor was told he would never be able to walk normally again.

“There was a lot of depression and anxiety and stress, knowing that I couldn’t ever do things I normally would,” O’Connor said.

However, he beat the odds and wants to show everyone that they can overcome difficult obstacles.

O'Connor said it took him about seven years to actually get on his feet without braces.

Now, he's on his feet and traveling cross-country to raise money for kids battling cancer.

It's a fundraiser he wasn't sure he'd be able to do when he was diagnosed, he said.

“We didn’t think we would make it back home,” O’Connor said. “But now, we’ve made it a thousand miles past that point.”

His route was originally about 3,000 miles, but he had to make a detour due to the snow in the mountains near Denver. Now, it’s about 4,000 miles.

His buddy and supporter Connor Rose has been traveling with him the whole time and cheering him on. He plans out the route, edits videos and makes sure O’Connor is healthy and drinking enough water.

He said the best part is being able to travel with his best friend for an amazing cause.

“He’s like an older brother to me,” Rose said. “Being able to make an impact on communities we pass has been really great.”

O'Connor's next stop on the list is Dallas. They hope to reach Santa Monica, their destination, by 2022.

To follow their journey or donate, click here.