Westfield Teen Will Ride 1,700-Miles for Cancer Research This Summer

Deren Miller, a Westfield High School junior, is preparing for a 1,700-mile bike ride from Miami to New York City this summer to raise funds for cancer prevention research. Miller founded the Chains United Relay Event under his non-profit, Wheels For Tomorrow, Inc., and will conduct the month-long ride from June 27 to July 30.

Instead of riding solo, the event is structured as a community relay. Local cyclists and bike clubs are invited to ride alongside Miller for segments through their hometowns along the East Coast. All net proceeds will go directly to three organizations: the American Institute for Cancer Research, the Silent Spring Institute, and the Georgetown University Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Miller, who has been dedicated to road cycling for four years and regularly tackles 100-mile rides for training, also plays varsity volleyball at Westfield High School and is involved in the school's Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz I groups. His mother, Zeynep Miller, stated: "By partnering with us, local businesses can play a direct role in supporting breakthrough research dedicated to cancer prevention." Miller will be accompanied throughout the journey by his parents, Zeynep and Greg, and his brother, Aren, who will manage the support vehicle and handle daily logistics.

Businesses can sponsor portions of the ride and get featured on event materials. Community members can sign up to ride a local segment, join the journey virtually, or make donations. Miller explained his personal motivation: "This mission is deeply personal to me. I hope to contribute to changing the story for other families, so fewer people have to face the loss we experienced with my grandmother and grandfather." For more information, visit chainsunited.org or email chainsunitedrelay@gmail.com.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.