Conventional wisdom states that arthritis sufferers would be better off sitting out of physical activity until their symptoms settle down. David Shuey believed that, until he saw the ravaging effect the disease had on his mother.

She was just about to turn 60 when her condition began to worsen dramatically. It was always in the back of David’s mind.

He loved athletics and he loved to run, but challenges kept getting in the way. He injured both knees in his 30s but he was devastated by the diagnosis he received just a decade ago: just like his mother, he had osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis. He knew enough to know it was a nasty form of arthritis. He also knew he would not give in easily.

In honor of his mother, on his 60th birthday, he jumped on his bicycle and headed off on a 4,000 mile, 70-day journey across the United States. He hoped to raise $50,000 and awareness for this misunderstood condition.

David blogged about his journey but his original website is not longer online. To learn how you can contribute to the Arthritis Foundation click here.