KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jaco Van Delden, right, with Taja Koch, 3, in May, raised $11,000 for cancer research in a cross-country bicycle ride.
Isle therapist finishes
fund-raising bike ride
A Kaimuki physical therapist who rode his bicycle across the country to raise money for cancer research finished his planned 30-day journey three days ahead of schedule.
"It's unbelievable," said Jaco Van Delden. "I've seen so many places along the way."
Van Delden, 34, completed his 3,400-mile trip yesterday, raising $11,000 for the Leu-kemia and Lymphoma Society.
He rode his racing bike from Seattle to Portland, Maine, in honor of 3-year-old Taja Koch of Nuuanu, who has been battling cancer for more than a year.
"To make it across the United States, it's just amazing," said Taja's mother, Nalani. "I think what Jaco is doing is beautiful."
Van Delden said he hopes to reach $50,000 in donations for the fight against blood-related cancers.
"We still have to keep fighting to get the rest in," he said in a telephone interview from Maine.
Van Delden received a flurry of phone calls and e-mails from well-wishers who gave him support during his trip.
He rode 120 miles a day and skipped some rest breaks to reach Maine sooner.
Taja, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is in remission and has another year of chemotherapy to undergo to make sure the cancer is gone.
"We're so thankful for what he has done and the awareness he has brought to the society," said Mea Neal, campaign manager for the Hawaii branch of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Donations are still being accepted for Van Delden's "Cross for a Cure." Checks can be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 680 Iwilei Road, Suite 675, Honolulu 96813.
Donations will also be accepted at a welcoming party for Van Delden on July 10 at the Honolulu Club, 932 Ward Ave., at 6:30 p.m.
For more information, call the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 534-1222.
