By Suzie Ziegler
MIAMI — Miami police officer Joe McCrink rode more than 1,000 miles in September to reach his goal of raising $20,000 in the fight against childhood cancer.
According to CBS Miami, McCrink finished his ride – done in segments – on Tuesday. For years, Miami first responders have participated in the ride each September for Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This year the official ride was canceled due to COVID-19.
But that didn’t stop McCrink.
“In order to meet my goal and work a full-time job, I’d have to double up on the rides and then on the weekend, I would do longer rides of 60, 70 miles,” McCrink told CBS Miami. “The thought of someone’s kid suffering, battling through it. If they can battle through that, I can get up off my butt and go ride a bike.”
McCrink crossed the finish line of red streamers in front of the Miami Police Department amid cheers from family and fellow officers, reported CBS Miami.
“I’ve been a police officer for 23 years and that’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me,” said McCrink.
In total, McCrink rode 1,024 miles and raised $20,000 for Live Like Bella, an organization founded in memory of 10-year-old Bella Rodriguez-Torres who died of cancer in 2013.