Riding 3,600+ miles for lung cancer patients

From May 20 to July 6, Jack Owens will ride his bicycle from San Francisco, CA to Ocean City, NJ with a goal of raising $100,000 for Ride Hard Breathe Easy. The ride will take him through the University of Notre Dame, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Jefferson Health, and more over the course of 47 days. 

Jack’s will cycle over 3,600 miles and 130,000 feet of elevation, and will be documented across RHBE’s social media pages. On June 22, all are invited to support Jack by riding virtually as he arrives at Notre Dame!

How can you get involved?

  • Make a donation
  • Dedicate a ride to someone you love
  • Cheer on Jack!
  • Follow Jack’s daily adventures on Instagram
  • Ride on June 22 where you are
  • Join Jack on Saturday, July 12th for a Celebration Ride on the Schuylkill River Trail

Why am I riding?

With the help of family and friends, I will bike across the United States to raise awareness and funds for lung cancer patients and their families.

I have been connected to this cause for most of my life. In December 2011, my Grandmom, Kathleen Matthews, passed away after a 9-month fight with lung cancer. A proud mother of six and grandmother of nineteen, Grandmom had a special way of making each of us feel like her favorite. From the moment of her diagnosis, my family dove into learning about lung cancer to help her fight. Although we lost her, our work in this cause has continued ever since.

Since her passing, I’ve watched family and friends advocate for lung cancer awareness, inspired especially by my Grandpop’s relentless efforts–he taught me that one person’s devotion can move many. Though he passed away in 2016, his spirit and inspiration live on.

In 2017, my uncle, John “Jack” Matthews, cycled across the country, raising money for the GO2 Foundation. Two years later, he founded Ride Hard Breathe Easy to support lung cancer patients and caregivers. Watching his work up close has deepened my passion and commitment to this cause.

Throughout my life, I’ve been lucky to belong to strong, supportive communities. I want to build the same kind of support for lung cancer patients and families who may not have it. With the encouragement of those around me, I ride to make a real difference for everyone impacted by lung cancer.

Cheer on Jack!

Uncle Jack
What you are doing matters to so many people. Have a great ride and enjoy the immense beauty of this country. Grandmom and Grandpop are watching you with such pride!
Beth Solomon
I can't believe you are about to embark on your big ride. I know that helping lung cancer patients and their families in honor of your Grandmom is what is driving you to go beyond your comfort zone! Thank you for having the courage and determination to ride for so many impacted by this terrible disease! Love, Aunt Beth
Karen Pitassi
In awe of what you are doing! Looking forward to cheering you on in person. See you in Utah!
Mom
It's almost "Go Time" and I could not be more proud of all the work you have put into this ride. I am excited to follow your incredible journey and cannot wait to hug you when you finish. Thank you for all you are doing in memory of Grandmom and all who have lost their battle with lung cancer. I love you!! xoxoxoxo
Robyn O'Brien
Thank you for such a beautiful and brave act of love to raise awareness!
Bella Crane
Wishing you the best of luck on this adventure. I know you're going to make lifelong memories and I can't wait to follow along. Have fun and stay strong! Remember to take care of yourself when you need a break 🙂
Lila Solomon
You got this!!! Great work!!!
Jean Butler
Thank you for bringing awareness to lung cancer by doing any extraordinary ride across the country. All of us at Johns Hopkins are cheering for you. Our patients at Johns Hopkins are grateful for all that Ride Hard Breathe Easy has done for them. Your determination, devotion, and strength give them hope and encouragement to make it through their cancer treatment. THANK YOU!
Bruce White
Thank you for all you do for others! It makes a difference!
Uncle Pat
Jack, Good luck on your incredible journey to bike across our great country. I know people in high places that will make sure that "the wind will always be at your back" when you need it the most ☘️ Aunt Missy and I look forward to seeing you in June as you travel through South Bend and beyond. Remember, left at Albuquerque! We will be following your every pedal and praying for a safe ride. Good luck and God speed.
Uncle Bob
Awesome Jackie O. We are all very proud of you. Have a great ride.
Dad
Jack, by “travel far and wide”, this isn’t what we meant! We are all so proud of you for taking on this challenge. May the road rise up to meet you and the wind be at your back. Be safe, be yourself and God bless
Bart
Hi Jack and Team, Best of luck with the start of the cross country ride, see you in 10 days to join you Best wishes Bart
Tommy
CONGRATS JACK!! you’re gonna do amazing! good luck and see you in June. Love you!
Johnny
Jack, you’re going to crush it! You’re doing a great thing by bringing more awareness to an amazing cause. Breathe Easy!
Bridget
Just wanted you to know how proud I am of you. You have so many people cheering you on every mile. You’re not only doing this in memory of Grandmom, but for everyone affected by lung cancer. Safe ride—see you in Maryland!
Mike Matthews
Jack - best of luck on your big adventure starting tomorrow. I am very proud of what you will accomplish on this ride and I look forward to seeing you in Ocean City! Ride Hard! Love, Mike
Aunt Jean
Jack - You continue to amaze me as you live your best life. And now you are doing it while helping others. Bravo to you! Wishing you Godspeed and many blessings and a store of great memories along the road. Safe travels! Love - Aunt Jean.
Jay Adams
Biggggg day. You got this Jack. It'll all be worth it for the cause!
Uncle Kev
Victory is in the Heart as much as the legs. Seize the moment Jack. So proud of you!
Moo Moo
Good luck Jack! Love you!
Will Martin
This is very inspiring, Jack. I am very proud of you, and the whole Prep Volleyball team is proud of you too. Hawk Tuah!
Mary Kate Owens
I can't believe it's already here!!! I am beyond excited to cheer you along every step of the way. It's going to fly by, enjoy every second! See you soon! Love, Mary Kate
John, Rebecca, AJ, and Charlotte Farringon
Yeah Jack! We are cheering you on!
Courtney Owens
Go Jack O!!! Safe travels along your adventures. You're gonna crush it!!!
Kathy Costello
Great job, Jack!
Dave Spearman
Best wishes as you start your cross country journey. Thank you for your effort to support lung cancer patients during their time of need. Enjoy the ride!
Kerri, Dan, and Teagan
Casual 47 day coast to coast tour of the US on wheels = bucket list item unlocked! We are cheering you on & channeling our strength as you raise awareness for this special cause. Can’t think of a cooler way to kick off summer 2025 - you will never need a fun fact icebreaker answer again 🙂
Bob Burke
All the best , each and every day Jack. Don't ride to fast, take time to enjoy the view along the way
Jen Owens
Jack best of luck on your journey across country. Stay safe and know we are all cheering you on! Proud of you for bringing awareness to the cause.
Maureen Deely Barrett
What an incredible experience, Jack. Know that your angels are riding with you. Safe travels. Cheering you on from Sea Isle City
Barbara Grayton
Way to go Jack!!! Everyone is so proud of you and your team…you really are a hero! Safe riding and enjoy the journey
Aunt Joanne
You are amazing, Jack! Safe travels and enjoy the journey! You are helping so many people!
Jeanne Matthews@username
Congratulations Jack! What an amazing adventure, and incredible way to honor your family. Enjoy the ride!
Aunt Janet
Go Jack Go!!!
Matt Owens
Keep up the good work! We’re all so proud of you! George Kittle and a third for Pat Freiermuth and Jaylen Weight?
Kayla
Way to go Jack!!! We are all so proud of you. I can’t wait to be apart of your ride in a few weeks!! See you in Maryland. Good luck & be safe!
Lila and David
You are an inspiration! In Utah already! You got this!!!
Uncle Dan
Best of luck on your journey. Like life itself, it's the moments along the way that make the trip special. Many of us are cheering you along, and I look forward to our reunion tour through Colorado. Jack O - Some people will do just about anything to avoid having a summer job!
Dave Spearman
Congratulations as you cross the 1,000 mile mark! You’re doing fabulous as you make your way across the country. You are certainly making a big difference and will be positively impacting the support for many lung cancer patients. We’re very proud of you!
Barry Boise
I couldn’t be more proud to tell your story of gratitude, grit and honor. The hard work pedaling through the Rockies will make a difference in people’s lives. Keep going. Only three weeks to riding to the Golden Dome.
Ann Marie and Paul
Ann Marie and Paul
Jack and Jackie (John) May you have: A World of wishes at your command, God and his Angels close at hand, Friends and Family their love impart, And Irish blessings in your hearts. Looking forward to seeing you Jack in Ireland later this year, and also seeing John and ALL my US cousins and families when they visit in 2026. Love from Paul and Ann Marie (your Irish and UK cousins).
Joanne
What a great tribute to your Grandmom! You got this!
Cheri J
Jack, your story moved me to tears. Your mission is an incredible testament to the values your grandparents and family instilled. Wishing you good health, strength, and safety on your journey.
Lisa Etkins
Thinking of you and wishing you ongoing ease with your pedals. When having a challenging moment. . .just realize that the work you are doing, the awareness you are showing, is making a huge difference in the lives of lung cancer patients. They can't pedal but you can! Your pedals give them food. Your pedals give them rides to keep fighting, your pedals off set the medical expenses they are accruing by not being able to work. You are the difference for these patients and I am so proud of you! GO JACK GO!!
The Burkes
Keep pedaling Jack!! Love the Burkes!!
Aunt Missy
AMAZING! You are almost halfway there! I'm so proud of you and your dedication! Wishing you beautiful sunny skies and the wind at your back as you get closer to home! See you soon!
Mrs. Higgins
We are so proud of you, Jack! Thank you for honoring Aidan’s grandfather today. See you in OCNJ!
Courtney Owens
Half way through! Keep going! See you soon in OCNJ!
Karen Fiore
Jack just sending a quick note. Watching every day. You’re amazing! Bet there are difficult moments but know we are sending you strength and prayers for a successful and epic second half of your ride. See ya in OC!

Dedicate a day to someone you love!

Jack’s 47-day journey across the United States begins on May 20th in San Francisco. He’s taking on this ride to raise awareness and funds for those affected by lung cancer.

Just like we did in 2017, Jack will dedicate each day of his cross-country ride to someone impacted by this disease. Whether it’s in honor of or in memory of a loved one, you’re invited to share their name and story using the form above.

On the left, you’ll see that Day 1 is dedicated to Jack’s grandmother, who lost her life to lung cancer in 2011. He’ll ride more than 80 miles that day in her memory.

Who can we ride for in your life?

Ride Hard

Breathe Easy

Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of lung cancer patients and their caregivers by raising awareness, supporting early detection, assisting patients, and working to end the stigma associated with the disease.​

Ride Hard Breathe Easy

Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of lung cancer patients and their caregivers by raising awareness, supporting early detection, assisting patients, and working to end the stigma associated with the disease.​

Join one of our events​

We have in-person and virtual events throughout the year.  We hope you join us!

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Join over a dozen organizations supporting Ride Hard Breathe Easy.

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