A group of seven boy scouts from North Carolina are in Missoula tonight after riding their bikes from Oregon. Troop leader Ed Billings says that they are riding from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic in support of a classmate who died of cancer.

"The boys identified with a charity called Be Loud Sophie," Billings said. "It's named after a young lady named Sophie Steiner who would have been a classmate with the boys. She passed away from cancer, and during that process, although she had excellent medical care, she realized there was a gap in services for teenagers."

The boys had hoped to raise four dollars per mile for “Be Loud Sophie” and have already reached that goal, now they want to double it. “Be Loud Sophie” is designed to provide comfort and entertainment for teenage cancer patients, who are often overlooked.

"The effort is to hire a coordinator and provide services," Billings said. "So, if they are into sports, sports teams will come visit them; if they are into dance then dance troops will come. There other activities centered around their interests, specific to teenagers. It helps them keep their identity during this really difficult time for them."

Billings says the boys have had a hard time with the Montana heat, but on pressing on. They will be in Sula tonight and in Yellowstone on the 4th of July.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM