The Hepatitis B Foundation is proud to sponsor the first Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour this summer with cyclist John Ellis who is 17 years old. He will follow the 1,100-mile Atlantic Coast Trail, beginning with a kick-off event hosted by John's high school in Pensacola, FL, and conclude with a celebratory media event on June 23, the day of his 18th birthday! During the tour, John will post daily blogs and make strategic media stops to raise awareness about hepatitis B and the need to find a cure.

John’s Story In His Own Words:

12 million people live right here in the United States with Hepatitis B. My name is John Ellis and I am one of those people.

Two weeks before my 16th birthday in June 2006, I was diagnosed with hepatitis B. Initially, I was incredibly scared simply because I didn’t know what having hepatitis B would mean for me. My doctor told me I would eventually need a liver transplant. But I was confused. I had received the vaccine in middle school, and I didn’t think that something like this could happen to me.

To be honest, I knew nothing about hepatitis B. However, contracting hepatitis B forced me to come to grips with many difficulties that most teens never have to imagine. But I am not alone.

In the search for a way to improve my health, I came across a $50 bike at a local cycling store. I started riding my bike everywhere – to school, to work, and for fun. Inspired by the love of riding, I had an epiphany:

I knew I wanted to ride for a cause. People need to be more aware about hepatitis B and how it affects us.

I contacted the Hepatitis B Foundation and after flying up with my mom to Pennsylvania to meet them personally, I decided to embark on a cycling tour from my hometown of Pensacola, FL, to Philadelphia, PA, where the Foundation is located.

Often times, when people get sick, the hardest part is believing things are going to get better. With this 1,100-plus mile cycling trip, I hope to raise awareness about hepatitis B. But more personally, I hope to prove to myself that I can overcome the obstacles placed in my path.

So even though there is still no complete cure for hepatitis B, if I believe in my heart that things will work out for the best, then who’s to say I’m not cured?

With everyone’s help, we can together raise awareness about hepatitis B and find a cure.

Please support me in the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour to benefit the Hepatitis B Foundation! Make a secure donation online today at www.hepb.org and select Believe in the Cure.

About the Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour:

What: Believe in the Cure Cycling Tour is an 1,100-mile bike tour to raise awareness for Hepatitis B in the United States.

Where: The tour will begin in Pensacola, FL (John’s hometown), and end in Philadelphia, PA (home of the Hepatitis B Foundation).

When: June 2, 2008 – June 23, 2008 About the Cyclist: John Ellis, is a 17-year-old young man who found out a year ago that he has hepatitis B. Rather than letting this medical diagnosis bring him down, John chose to seize the opportunity to help raise awareness about a disease that so few people in the U.S. know anything about.

Sponsorships: This tour is made possible in part by a generous donation from NutriSystem. Additional corporate partners are welcome!