For nearly any cycling enthusiast, riding in one of the country’s highest-profile fundraising events would be a rewarding experience. For David, his wish ride in Lance Armstrong’s LIVESTRONG “Ride for the Roses” event was also a chance for the 17-year-old to give a helping hand to kids with cancer – like himself.

David was diagnosed with brain cancer and has had to work hard against the side effects of treatment, including fatigue and weight gain. Because of his own experience, David decided to raise money for cancer research.

“I want to contribute to cancer research so other kids won’t have to go through what I’ve gone through and suffer so much,” he said.

Thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® of Wisconsin, local community members, Milwaukee-area GM dealers and the UAW-GM sponsorship of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, David’s wish to help other kids with cancer was granted over Make A Difference Day weekend, Oct. 21-23, when he participated in Armstrong’s ninth-annual signature cycling fundraiser in Austin, Texas.

While there, David had the opportunity to meet the seven-time Tour de France champion, ride by his side during the Polka Dot Jersey Team Ride, ride in the 40-mile leg and participate in the event’s many festivities, including activities in the LIVESTRONG Village, the LIVESTRONG Kids Event and the Post Ride Party.

“This wish was more than I ever could have imagined,” David said. “Lance is a great guy. As a cancer survivor, he shows us that we can go on and do glorious things.”

David became a fundraising machine long before the “Ride for the Roses” event. Armed with donor cards printed with information about where friends, family and community members could go online to donate to the cause in his name – and assisted by his sister and “manager,” Laura – David raised several thousand dollars.

When Evansville resident Todd McLaughlin, a physician’s assistant at Mercy Hospital in Janesville (and a cancer survivor himself), heard David’s story, he sponsored David in two local cycling events – the Trek Spring Into Wisconsin and the Tour de Villes – ensuring that David met his fundraising goal of $15,000, which qualified him for the “Polka Dot” level and entitled him to meet Armstrong and to ride at the cycling superstar’s side.

All monies raised support the Lance Armstrong Foundation’s mission to inspire and empower people affected by cancer through advocacy, education, public health and research.

The UAW-GM sponsorship covered travel expenses for the family, which included David’s mother, his brother and two sisters.

“David is such an awesome kid who wanted to help other kids,” David’s mother said. “But the opportunity to share a family vacation celebrating that the worst is behind us is so meaningful to all of us. We’ve really weathered this as a family.”

“The ride was awesome and we had so much fun,” David said afterward.

Just as importantly, David’s wish also celebrated his determination to help others and live strong.