Team Super Brave Sets Local Ride For a Reason Fundraising Record

ALGONQUIN, IL — Nearly 200 people came together in Algonquin on Saturday, March 7 to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Life Time Foundation. Dozens of those riders, a group called Team Super Brave, took turns riding a 4-hour indoor cycling relay at Life Time Fitness, 451 Rolls Road, in honor of whom they call their two little "Super Brave Heroes," Hudson, 5, and Jacob, 7 — also known as Super Hudson and Jacob the Brave. According to Hudson Younge's parents, Bryan and Shelby Younge, both of these buddies were diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) when they were 3 years old. According to The Younges, Jacob is one year out of treatment and is doing great.

According to Mayo Clinic, ALL is a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow — "the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells are made." It's the most common type of cancer in children, and treatments result in a good chance for a cure.

The Younges keep friends and family updated on Hudson's journey via Facebook.

They found out their son had Leukemia on April 17, 2017; four days after his third birthday, Bryan told Patch. The first signs of illness came during a family vacation in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

"We took a trip to Cabo, and he seemed like he had a temperature, and he was tired," Bryan said. "He was sleeping a lot when we got back, and looked like he got pink eye. We went to the doctor and got antibiotics, and then went back two days later. They thought it may be orbital cellulitis, or immune deficiency related."

Then the Younges took Hudson to the ER, and doctors said they needed immediate test results.
"We went to Lutheran General and he got tested," Bryan said. "They knew right away it was Leukemia, and began chemo immediately."

Three years later, Hudson is undergoing maintenance treatment, but will be finished in June. He currently takes medication at home, has blood tests once a month, and has one more spinal tap scheduled. His most recent oncology visit went great, as his blood counts were all exactly where family and doctors wanted them to be, according to Shelby.

Ride for a Reason took place March 7 at 120 Life Time locations across the U.S., and has raised $4.2 million and counting since 2016.

This is a big year for the fundraiser, as this local group of riders set a new record in Algonquin, according to The Younges. They've raised nearly $20,000, and there's still time to donate, as donations are being accepted through March 31.

According to Bryan, there were an average of 50 participants during each of the four, one-hour rides.

Bryan said three Algonquin Life Time fitness instructors— Michelle Stien, Sandra Trudeau and Donna Collins — are friends of the family, and promote the event in Hudson's name. All three instructors have been participating in the event these last five years.

"These instructors are absolutely the best," Shelby told Patch. "They somehow make four hours of riding a stationary bike fun! They are so full of energy, motivation, inspiration and truly have the kindest hearts you can find. They are friends, they are like family, and I am eternally grateful for their support and love through all of this."

Stien said she's known the Younge Family for roughly 8 years, both in and outside of Life Time.

"I am in awe of their strength and positivity throughout this journey with Hudson," Stien told Patch. "I am passionate about raising money to help families like them to be able to focus their love and energy on not only Hudson, but their other children."

In addition to Hudson, Bryan and Shelby also have daughter Avery, 11, and sons Evan, 14, and Braedon, 8.

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"Their family is one filled with true love, dedication, and strength unlike anything anyone should ever have to witness!" Trudeau told Patch. "This family will forever be my heroes (SIC) for what they have conquered, and we will all continue fighting for the cause indefinitely as a team together! As a mother of 4 myself I know all too well you never know when this might touch your own life. If and when it does, I will be proud and reassured that I am affiliated with such an amazing support system and St. Jude."

Trudeau added that St. Jude and Life Time are united in the mission of helping kids get healthy. St. Jude is leading the fight against childhood cancer, and the Life Time Foundation is committed to improving school lunch programs.

Shelby calls Life Time her home away from home, and said it's truly incredible to see how people can come together for the greater good and just show pure unadulterated love and friendship.

"Shelby and Bryan have had such grace dealing with Hudson’s diagnosis," Collins said. "Their raw, organic experience all documented on social media was so honest and uplifting at the same time. Each time I would read a post I would be filled with strength and faith. I also love (SIC) working alongside our team. We all have different styles and continually support each other with love and kindness."

As of Friday, the Algonquin group has raised nearly $19,000.

"Our goal of $20,000 in 2020 was based on what we were able to raise last year," Stien said. "Each year they challenge us to exceed what we did the year before."

Stien added that she's been honored and humbled to be a part of this "amazing fundraising event."

The Younges will continue working (out) for a cure and to raise funds for St. Jude, and plan to take part in the upcoming Nashville - Rock 'n' Roll Marathon. This event was scheduled to take place at the end of April, but has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But for now, they'll continue fundraising and advocating for Hudson, Jacob and the children at St. Jude.

More information: Shelby's Fundraiser for Ride for a Reason - Algonquin and stjude.org.