Carmel man rides coast-to-coast to help the ‘Warrior Princess’
NOBLESVILLE, Ind (WISH) – A Carmel man just finished the ride of his life. It was not to lose weight, but to help save a Noblesville girl’s life.
When we last saw Mark Light, he was gearing up to bike 2,500 miles. Two months later, he’s back in central Indiana.
“Physically, I’m great,” Light said. “Mentally, I feel good. It feels great to be back.”
He started with his back tire in the Pacific Ocean, and finished with his front tire in the Atlantic Ocean. “Certainly the most amazing experience of my life, but what I didn’t expect was how many other lives ended up getting touched by my ride, and this little girl who’s done such an incredible job of tying so many people, and bringing so many people together,” Light said.
He’s talking about Emily Theisen. We met the Noblesville girl, who is suffering from pancreatitis, this summer.
As she fights the disorder, her family needs financial help. Light, who suffered from pancreatitis himself, raised $30,000 from his cross-country trip.
Light set out to make this ride by himself. But as more heard about what he was doing, and read Emily’s story, more people suddenly tagged alongside and joined him for parts of the ride.
“Her story became a very easy one to tell, and there were people all across the country that bought in,” Light said. “I’ve got friends all over the country now in places I never could’ve imagined.”
Emily’s family had hoped a life-saving procedure would’ve happened this fall in Minnesota. Instead, they’re working with a hospital closer to home, in Ohio.
While Light’s ride is over, he knows her journey is far from complete. “We will continue to work very hard and try to spread the word and get Emily’s amazing story out there,” Light said.
24-Hour News 8 spoke to Emily’s dad Monday. His family is incredibly grateful to Light, and the people who supported him during his ride.
They should hear within a week about the procedure in Ohio, and hope to have it done in two months. If you would like to learn more about her story, or donate, click here.