Wilmington Survivor Rides 50+ Miles for Kids with Cancer

A childhood brain tumor couldn't stop Matt Hopman, and now he's making sure future kids have even better odds of survival.

Diagnosed at just four years old, the Wilmington resident faced down cancer and won. Decades later, that battle fuels his mission to help children fighting the same disease he once faced.

Hopman found his way to give back through the Great Cycle Challenge, an annual fundraiser where participants bike to raise money for childhood cancer research. Since joining in 2023, he's raised more than $2,000 by setting personal cycling goals and asking supporters to sponsor his rides.

The best part? You don't need to be a competitive cyclist to join. Hopman typically sets his own goal around 50 to 60 miles, but the challenge lets everyone choose what works for them.

"When you sign up for the challenge, there is no minimum goal that you have to set," Hopman explained. "You choose that on your own."

The Ripple Effect

Every mile Hopman pedals creates waves of impact far beyond North Carolina. The Children's Cancer Research Fund supports breakthrough treatments that help kids across the country survive and thrive after diagnosis.

His personal story makes every donation more meaningful. Supporters aren't just funding abstract research. They're investing in treatments that could give today's four-year-olds the same chance at life that Hopman received.

The challenge runs annually, giving anyone the chance to turn their fitness goals into lifesaving research dollars. Whether you bike five miles or 500, every pedal stroke funds hope.

Matt Hopman survived cancer as a child and now he's helping ensure other kids can say the same.