On a mission
Flynn Donoho, 54, of Huntington Beach, Calif., has biked through 40 states while raising money for cancer research.
Flynn Donoho’s cart contains necessities such as a tent and tarp, as well as souvenirs picked up along his route, including deer antlers found in Texas.
Flynn Donoho’s dog and traveling companion, Diva, takes a break under the bike cart.
With little more than a bicycle, tent, some knicknacks and a dog named Diva that he picked up in Arizona, Flynn Donoho has traveled across 40 states while raising more than $1,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Donoho, 54, originally from Little Rock, Ark., felt compelled to raise money for research after several friends and family members died from the disease. His sister-in-law is a breast cancer survivor.
His journey began in Huntington Beach, Calif., in January 2011, and he circled around the perimeter of the country for a year. He then started biking through the middle states, and he now has eight contiguous states remaining on his bucket list.
He relies on contributions from locals and churches. Some people have invited him into their homes, and an Amity man recently let Donoho spend the night in his shed.
Last year, Donoho stayed with a man who had a litter of puppies that were headed for the animal shelter. Charmed by the awkward appearance of a particular pup, he decided to recruit her for the trip.
“I decided to call her Diva because she was so cute looking,” Donoho said. “She had one ear up, one ear down for the longest time, and right before she hit a year old, her ears finally stood up.”
Along with the goodwill of the people he meets while traveling, Donoho relies on his faith to push through the rain, wind and hard times.
“I ride on the faith that God will take care of me, and He’s done well. I can’t complain,” he said.
To make a donation, visit Donoho’s page at www.acsevents.org or call him at 714-861-0870.