Doylestown father Jeff Bekos is preparing for the ride of a lifetime across the country to support Ronald McDonald House in West Philadelphia, writes Aziza Shuler for CBS News.

Although daunting, the 4,600-mile journey pales in comparison to the battle he and his family endured eleven years ago, when his daughter, Hailey, was diagnosed with a rare disease, anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

Then just thirteen, Hailey went from spirited cheerleading to having seizures and undergoing grueling treatments at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for months.

During that time, the Ronald McDonald House became the second home for her family.

“We could be at CHOP with Hailey for 14-16 hours a day, then come back here to our room where there would be three meals a day and the comforts of home,” said Bekos. “The safety of home and all that we need during the most horrific time of our lives.”

To honor Ronald McDonald House’s 50th anniversary, Nekos will cycle from California to Philadelphia.

“I’ll be riding 65 miles a day, six days a week with one day rest,” he said.

His goal is to share his daughter’s story and raise $5 million for the charity.

Read more about Jeff Bekos at CBS News.

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