Birmingham resident Brian Toone and Chelsea residents Scott and Gabe Griffin will represent the nonprofit organization Hope 4 Gabe while riding in the annual Race Across America. The race will begin on June 13 in Oceanside, California, and end in Annapolis, Maryland.

By riding in Race Across America, 12-year-old Gabe Griffin and his father, Scott, will raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, which Gabe was diagnosed with, and barriers that can hinder access to the medication Duchenne patients need. Their slogan for the ride is, “Racing for Accelerated Access to Medicine.”

“We want policies at all levels to reflect that safe and effective treatments should be delivered without delay to patients,” Scott Griffin said. “We also feel the need to speak out when we see unnecessary barriers between Gabe and a life-saving treatment.”

This is the third cross-country campaign that Hope 4 Gabe has sponsored. According to a press release from Hope 4 Gabe, Toone will cover over 300 miles per day across 11 states during Race Across America.

“I’m really excited for the race and to carry our message across the country. Something needs to be done to make sure that boys like Gabe have access to life-saving and life-changing medication,” Toone said.

For more information about Toone and the Griffin’s participation in Race Across America, visit Ride4gabe.com. To donate to their cause, text “GABE” to 91999, visit the Ride4Gabe III GoFundMe page or send an email to RAAM@Ride4Gabe.com.