Future Doctor Bikes Across U.S. to Support Colorectal Cancer Research

A medical student is bicycling across the United States on a mission to help end colorectal cancer, inspired by his grandfather’s own ongoing battle with the disease. 

On May 7, John-Hewlett “JH” West inflated his two tires and hit the pavement on a coast-to-coast bike ride from Oregon to North Carolina. It’s a more than 4,000-mile journey through parts of 12 states, mostly along a route known as the Trans-America Trail. 

His ride will end in early July, at Wrightsville Beach, near his hometown of Wilmington. He’ll dip his wheels in the Atlantic Ocean just in time to begin classes for his second year of medical school at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Charlotte, where he’s training to become a physician. 

He’s riding to support End Colon Cancer Coast to Coast, a movement dedicated to ending colorectal cancer. Every dollar raised fuels prevention, patient support and lifesaving research through the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

The idea shifted into high gear when JH was looking for a meaningful way to spend his summer, and he saw this adventure as the perfect fit to grow and challenge himself, while also grabbing the chance to see the country and meet people from all over.  

“As I was planning, I wanted to involve a purpose that was bigger than me and that’s where the inspiration came from to raise money and awareness for colon cancer and support for my grandad,” JH says. “My grandad has faced diagnoses of colon and brain cancer over the past few years with the same grace, courage and humility with which he has carried himself all his life. I am also inspired by my grandmother, who has been with him every step of the way.”

His grandfather, Eddie West Jr., was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2024, which led to a more than year-long treatment plan that included iron infusions, surgery and immunotherapy. In the midst of being treated for colon cancer, he also had a stroke. Physicians discovered a brain tumor and began radiation. 

While recovery has been slow, his condition continues to improve. His spirits lifted when he learned about his grandson’s bike ride. 

“His grandmother and I are so proud of his desire to support both us and others who are facing similar challenges through his cross-country bike journey,” says Eddie West Jr.

“As John-Hewlett’s grandmother, I was so deeply touched that I cried,” says Patsy West. “I was overcome with gratitude, humbled that he has undertaken this endeavor and, yes, pride in his deep spirit of compassion and caring for his grandfather.”

Several of JH’s medical school classmates in Charlotte are riding alongside him on different legs of the cross-country journey. Sebastian "Sebbie" Scrivner joined as he crossed into Idaho and rode along to western Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. JH linked up with Jerry Wang in eastern Kentucky, who will finish the ride with him through North Carolina.   

“Having these guys join me for portions of the ride is a huge boost,” says JH. “I was on the road for six days and then saw Sebbie coming up the highway on day seven and was so excited. We joke that I'm going to just tie a rope to the back of Jerry’s bike and he's going to pull me all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.”

It started as an idea that grew into reality with support from their families, friends, and faculty and classmates at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. In the months leading up to the journey, they practiced by riding around the Charlotte area, taking apart their bikes, changing flat tires and accounting for other obstacles they may encounter on the road.

JH admits that he was nervous starting out on the road and wasn't sure how his body and mind would hold up. He’s traveled from 30 to over 100 miles daily, slept in tents, motels, even a small church, and eaten whatever food is available and convenient. He’s braved rainstorms, high winds, mosquitoes, sunburn and countless flat tires — the victim to “teeth-rattling” rocky terrain, rocks, thorns and other sharp hazards. He even fended off a group of bandit raccoons trying to take his stash of snacks while camping one night in the Midwest. 

Yet, he’s found motivation to keep pedaling through encounters with folks along the way, while taking in the natural beauty of America’s vast farmlands, mountains, deserts, rivers and forests.  

“I think the coolest thing so far has been the support from strangers, either at cafes or restaurants, and somebody will insist that they buy me a coffee after we've chatted for a bit,” says JH. "That's been really cool and has kept me going. Support from my parents and family, girlfriend and friends back home has been really big too.”

His full route goes through parts of Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee and ends in North Carolina.

Along with Sebbie and Jerry, JH is running an Instagram account to document their journey with photos and other highlights. After spending their first year of medical school together, they each saw this journey as an opportunity to contribute to a good cause while they still had some free time on their hands. 

Classes begin July 13, where they’ll continue honing their medical skills in specialty areas ranging from orthopaedics to surgery to physical medicine to rehabilitation and more.

“It's a lot of hard work but it's a lot better when you have great people to do it with,” says JH, of his medical school classmates and faculty in Charlotte. “A lot of them have sent messages and been super supportive of our bike trip.”

As JH and Jerry approach North Carolina, another medical school classmate is planning to join the ride. After passing through Wilmington, their journey will end on Wrightsville Beach, where JH’s grandparents and other family members plan to embrace him, as he cools off his wheels in the Atlantic Ocean.

“Their support along the way has been really huge,” JH says. “The way my grandparents have handled everything has definitely become an inspiration for me and a reminder on the tough days that you just have to keep pushing.”