Micheal McIntyre

UPDATE: I was planning on 750 miles. I had a serious accident on the very first ride keeping me off bike. I will now walk (when allowed) 100 miles.

Donate Now

I've Ridden 76.0 mi My goal is 100 mi

My Rankings

National: 2nd
State: 1st in PA
My Team: 1st

I've raised $50,002 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Niko Henry Chernyshov

Niko was diagnosed with brain cancer in June 2024. During his two-year battle with the disease, he underwent 13 rounds of chemotherapy, six brain surgeries, nine weeks of radiation, and a stem cell transplant before passing away on March 23 of this year. While fighting cancer, Niko completed all the requirements to become an Eagle Scout—an achievement earned by only about 4% of Scouts. Reaching this rank requires exceptional dedication, including earning at least 21 merit badges, serving in a leadership role, and planning and leading a significant community service project, all before turning 18. Most of Niko's treatments took place at the University of Vermont Health's Golisano Children's Hospital. During his hospital stays, LEGO® sets provided comfort and distraction, giving him something positive to focus on during some of his most difficult days. Niko was deeply empathetic and always thought of others. A lifelong LEGO enthusiast, he found building sets to be therapeutic throughout his treatment. Wanting other children in the hospital to experience that same sense of comfort, he created an Eagle Scout service project to collect LEGO sets for pediatric patients. Expecting to receive around 70 donated sets, Niko ultimately collected and delivered more than 800. His project was recognized as Eagle Scout Project of the Year by the National Eagle Scout Association's Green Mountain Council. Niko's mother shared, "He was always in good spirits and did a good turn daily, living the Scout Oath and Scout Law with hope and a smile throughout his cancer journey." As a fellow Eagle Scout, riding in Niko's memory is a deeply personal honor. His courage, compassion, and commitment to helping others embody the very best of what it means to be a Scout, and I am proud to ride in celebration of his remarkable life and lasting legacy. If you click on the "UPDATES" button on the MY CHALLENGE bar, you can learn more about this amazing young man.

My Story

28 Sep 2026

I am participating in my 12th Great Cycle Challenge. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for pediatric cancer research. I have to admit that as I age (I am 75 years young) the pedaling is getting a bit harder each year. Yet, I am fortunate to be able to still ride. There are many kids that will never have the opportunity to reach my age, or even have the chance to ride a bike, as cancer will end their life much too early.

While there has been tremendous progress in fighting pediatric cancer, it is still impacting the health and lives of too many kids.

So I am once again raising funds for the Children's Cancer Research Fund to help find a cure . The money you donate will allow them to continue their work in funding lifesaving research. Every dollar will bring us one step closer to helping another child beat this disease.

Your support does, and will, change little lives for the better. Thank You!

A word about my goals. My riding goal is 750 miles, 10 miles for each of my orbits around the sun. If I reach that goal, I will have ridden 13,800 miles during the Great Cycle Challenges I have participated in. More importantly, if I can reach my fundraising goal, I will have raised over $200,000 to beat kids' cancer. A HUGE thanks to everyone who has donated in the past, to those that will donate again this year, and to those who will be donating for the first time this year.

With sincere gratitude,

Mike

P.S. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often have a critical need blood and/or platelet transfusions. I now give platelets every two or three weeks. Platelets only have a five day shelf life resulting in a constant demand. Please give if you can.

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 12 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

677 mi Ridden

Raised

2015
3,295 mi Ridden

$1,876 Raised

2016
1,734 mi Ridden

$5,206 Raised

2017
1,040 mi Ridden

$6,565 Raised

2018
1,477 mi Ridden

$9,272 Raised

2019
1,052 mi Ridden

$12,564 Raised

2020
877 mi Ridden

$23,295 Raised

2021
833 mi Ridden

$25,647 Raised

2022
1,000 mi Ridden

$21,834 Raised

2023
522 mi Ridden

$27,283 Raised

2024
544 mi Ridden

$30,312 Raised

2025
Ridden

$50,002 Raised

2026

13,127 mi

Ridden

$214,481

Raised

My Challenge

1st ride on the bike since the accident

30 Oct 2026

Yesterday, I rode my bike for the first time since the accident. It is interesting how our minds work. I used to get a great feeling when hopping on the bike, This time I felt trepidation and uneasiness. Clipping my cleats into the pedals brought about a fear of being "tied" to the bike. Would I be able to get out of the pedals should I need to? It was never a thought that crossed my mind before. I felt wobbly on the bike, like a kid just learning. Whereas before, I was confident and would maneuver fearlessly. Here I am passing through a set of gates similar to the ones I hit back on September 1st.

My wife is a psychologist, which I joke is why I am so well adjusted. When I mentioned my reaction to that first ride to her, she said it was understandable. I had been through a very traumatic experience.

I could only imagine a parent's reaction to a situation that brought back the traumatic memory of losing a child to cancer. For instance, what emotions did they feel when entering the child's room after losing them?

Then I thought of my visit with Niko's parents. My wife and I had brunch at their home in Burlington, VT, before we all participated in a LEGO drop at the Children's Hospital. They invited us into Niko's room and showed us many of Niko's favorite things: his scouting awards, countless LEGO sets, the map with all of the National Parks that he had visited and those he had planned to visit in the future, the autographed football helmet he received from the Minnesota Vikings and much more.

I am sure the sense of loss was still there for them. However, as they showed these artifacts of their child's life, I could sense the joy they held in their hearts for the child that was no longer with them.

Today is Niko's birthday. The first since his passing. His parents have invited Niko's friends over to celebrate and share stories and memories of him. I am sure it will be a bitter sweet gathering. I hope more laughs than tears.

I will do my second bike ride this afternoon. Niko's picture will accompany me, just as it has on each of my walks. Will the sense of trepidation still be present as I ride? We shall see.

What I do know is that no parent should have to lose a child to cancer, which is why I will ride and hope my efforts will continue to encourage others to donate to this cause.

Posted 10 hours ago
Niko's Birthday

30 Oct 2026

Today is Niko's birthday. The first since his passing. I found a picture of Niko eating my favorite food - Mexican! I had AI add a birthday cupcake and banner to it. I am sure this will be an emotion filled day for his family and those who close to him. His life ended much too soon. Thank you for helping to fund the research needed to find better treatments.

Posted 14 hours ago
16.8 mi ride - 1st ride on the bike since the accident - Thursday, October 29, 2026

Logged this ride 1 day ago - View on Strava
Have you ever stepped on a LEGO?

26 Oct 2026

I wore my LEGO socks (as a tribute to Niko's Eagle Scout project) on my 12.2 mile walk. Unlike stepping on a actual LEGO piece - ouch! - I did 33,472 steps in relative comfort during the nearly four hour hike.

Posted 5 days ago
12.2 mi ride - Walk with Jim Brady to Exton and back - Saturday, October 24, 2026

Logged this ride 7 days ago
4.1 mi ride - 2nd time on a stationary bike at PT - Monday, October 19, 2026

Logged this ride 11 days ago
Wagons full of LEGO sets

19 Oct 2026

Niko's legacy continues as another 300 Lego sets are dropped off at the Children's Hospital in Burlington, VT. I travelled from Philadelphia with LEGO sets that I purchased to match the $6.11 donations made to the Great Cycle Challenge. The LEGOs filled nine wagons! They will be given to kids, who like Niko had been, are being treated at the hospital. Niko's mom, dad and sister are all involved in scouting. (Can you spot me in my orange GCC t-shirt? I am wearing the Troop 611 neckerchief that I was given when I was named an honorary member of the Troop.)

Posted 11 days ago
The wind was cold, the heart was warm.

19 Oct 2026

I travelled to Burlington, VT to participate in the LEGO drop-off at the Children's Hospital. Niko's family invited me and my wife to join them for brunch before the drop-off. After brunch, Heather (mom), Alex (dad), Ella (Niko's sister) went for a short walk along the Lake Champlain. The wind was blowing hard making it feel much colder. However, meeting Niko's family was a heartwarming experience.

Posted 11 days ago
2.2 mi ride - Neighborhood walk - Sunday, October 18, 2026

Logged this ride 13 days ago
1.2 mi ride - Walk with Niko's family - Saturday, October 17, 2026

Logged this ride 14 days ago

My Sponsors

Edward & Janet Antonian
$10,000
Received this donation 38 days ago

Micheal
Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation

“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$7,406.63
Received this donation 51 days ago

Micheal
Matched Day Matching Donation

“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to fight kids' cancer!”
$2,733.48
Received this donation 37 days ago

Micheal
Anonymous
$2,000
Received this donation 38 days ago

Micheal

“Dear Anonymous donor, what a generous donation! Unfortunately, I receive no information about donors who request to remain anonymous. If you wouldn't mind, perhaps you can send me an email with who you are. I would really like to acknowledge you in a more more personal manner. My email is MrMcPez@gmail.com.”

Dear Anonymous donor, what a generous donation! Unfortunately, I receive no information about donors who request to remain anonymous. If you wouldn't mind, perhaps you can send me an email with who you are. I would really like to acknowledge you in a more more personal manner. My email is MrMcPez@gmail.com.
Clinton Lawson

“The miles ridden are not the driver of your continued success this year ... today, the driver is your persistent commitment, perseverance and time given to such a worthy cause.”
$1,035
Received this donation 51 days ago

Micheal
David Moldoff

“Your commitment and passion is what we support. Not the miles you ride.”
$1,035
Received this donation 52 days ago

Micheal
Rob and Carol

“Thank you for doing this again this year, Mike!”
$1,035
Received this donation 65 days ago

Micheal
HEATHER M CHERNYSHOV

“Niko would be honored to share the support for cancer research as an Eagle Scout, he donated his brain tumors to research and eyes to a donor. Troop 611 helped guide him to become the amazing kid that makes any mother proud!”
$611
Received this donation 99 days ago

Micheal

“Heather, it is truly my honor to ride for Niko. It is heartbreaking that cancer cut his life so short. He was such a good soul. You have every right to be a proud mom. He lived an exemplary life of what it means to be an Eagle Scout. It is my pleasure to share his story with as many others as possible. Niko's life showed us all that empathy and caring for others is one of life's most important blessings. I hope that my riding in his memory will continue his legacy of giving and motivate others to donate to help fund the research needed to find better treatments for the disease that took his life.”

Heather, it is truly my honor to ride for Niko. It is heartbreaking that cancer cut his life so short. He was such a good soul. You have every right to be a proud mom. He lived an exemplary life of what it means to be an Eagle Scout. It is my pleasure to share his story with as many others as possible. Niko's life showed us all that empathy and caring for others is one of life's most important blessings. I hope that my riding in his memory will continue his legacy of giving and motivate others to donate to help fund the research needed to find better treatments for the disease that took his life.
Chipotle

“We are very happy to support one of our most frequent customers in his fundraising for childhood cancer research - Jess, Chris, Crow, Grim and the rest of the KOP team.”
$533.19
Received this donation 42 days ago

Micheal
Go Mike Proud of your efforts and new face !

“Go Mike Proud of your efforts and new face !!”
$517.50
Received this donation 39 days ago

Micheal
Judy and Bob Yost

“Michael - get well soon! We are honored to support the great cycle challenge for childhood cancer research.”
$517.50
Received this donation 51 days ago

Micheal
Ken Ewell

“Mike, Keep going strong!”
$517.50
Received this donation 38 days ago

Micheal
Mike Kaelin

“Great job Mike supporting an amazing cause! Happy to support and watching you get to 100 miles!”
$517.50
Received this donation 17 hours ago

Micheal

“Thank you so much for your generous donation, Mike. It very much appreciated. It has been too long since we last talked. I really do hope our paths will cross again someday...though it won't be on a golf course, I stink at it!”

Thank you so much for your generous donation, Mike. It very much appreciated. It has been too long since we last talked. I really do hope our paths will cross again someday...though it won't be on a golf course, I stink at it!
Nan Glasgow
$517.50
Received this donation 52 days ago

Micheal
The Nawrocki Family

“We support you and the cause, no matter what gets in the way of you and your bike.”
$517.50
Received this donation 45 days ago

Micheal
Doane Family McDonald's

“Thank you Mike!”
$500
Received this donation 29 days ago

Micheal
John Kulha
$500
Received this donation 50 days ago

Micheal
BPHS Class of 1969: Friends of the 75th Birthday Party

“Your BPHS '69 classmates who attended the 75th Birthday Party wanted to support your efforts to fight kids' cancer. Hoping you heal quickly and will be back on your bike soon.”
$450
Received this donation 37 days ago

Micheal

“I was so touched to learn the proceeds of the raffle would be donated to my participation in the Great Cycle Challenge. As you may know, I was registered to attend. I was very upset my accident prevented me from doing so. I hope the birthday Pez dispensers I sent will act as a small memento of the event and sign of my sincere appreciation of your support.”

I was so touched to learn the proceeds of the raffle would be donated to my participation in the Great Cycle Challenge. As you may know, I was registered to attend. I was very upset my accident prevented me from doing so. I hope the birthday Pez dispensers I sent will act as a small memento of the event and sign of my sincere appreciation of your support.
judy mesler and pez community

“I won the pez raffle that Micheal done and i had both the pez in my collection already so i asked if i could do a raffle on a pez community 2.0 page and i was allowed to do that. So i took the Paul Revere pez that i won and asked other pez collectors to take a $5 chance at winning that pez and i had many people interested in getting involved. Another pez friend (Diana Klein) then donated a duck with flower pez to add so we could get a second winner, but then by my surprise i had another collector (Daniel Whittley) offer a popeye pez so we could have a third winner. And now with today being match your donation day what a great way to make an impact on Micheal's goal.”
$414
Received this donation 38 days ago

Micheal

“WOW! The PezHead community is truly special. Thank you Judy, Diana and Whittley for donating the PEZ dispensers and to all those that entered the raffle. What a wonderful surprise! You guys are the best!”

WOW! The PezHead community is truly special. Thank you Judy, Diana and Whittley for donating the PEZ dispensers and to all those that entered the raffle. What a wonderful surprise! You guys are the best!
Mark McEvoy

“I so appreciate you Mike. Thank you for all you do to help conquer juvenile cancer.”
$362.25
Received this donation 51 days ago

Micheal