DUBLIN, Ohio — For father and son Kyle and Tyler Alfriend, the events of 2007 seem like ancient history. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tyler Alfriend was diagnosed in 2007 with a rare form of cancer called Burkitt's Lymphoma Leukemia

  • Over the past 13 years, his father Kyle has participated in dozens of races to raise money for childhood cancer

  • Both will ride together for the first time in the "Champion's Challenge" on Sept. 26

Tyler was a healthy 15 year old at Dublin Jerome High School when he fell ill. 

After a series of tests, he was eventually diagnosed with Stage IV sporadic Burkitt's Lymphoma Leukemia, a rare and aggressive cancer that can double in 12 hours. 

Despite the diagnosis and travels across the country for life-saving treatment, they never gave up hope. 

“Everything happens fast, so the remission happens fast. If it's going to relapsez, that happens fast. We were eight (to) nine months of pretty intense treatments. And by the summer of 2008, we were winning,” says Kyle.

“Him pushing to change treatments up and push for different directions I think that's a huge part of it,” says Tyler.

While Tyler, now 28 year old, and a father himself remains cancer free, Kyle, a central Ohio realtor of nearly 40 years and father of four, has never stopped his determination and fundraising for a cure. 

And this year for the first time, both will pair up for The Champion's Challenge, a 100-mile round trip bike ride on Sept. 26.

All proceeds go toward CancerFree Kids and Nationwide Children's Hospital to develop new childhood cancer treatments. 

“One of my favorite quotes of all time is Mario Andretti said, 'If you ever feel like life's under control, it only means you're working too slow.' And comfort is not why we're here. So that's why I do these events and to always have goals out there,” says Kyle Alfriend.

The Alfriends say the plan is for the Champion's Challenge to become a by invitation annual event with teams in Cincinnati and Columbus. 

“The children that we're raising money for, their goal is to just survive to tomorrow. That's not the end of the story. We also want it to survive in our passion, in our pursuits and what we're trying to do for our families, for our community, within our career,” says Kyle.

Both say they're up to the challenge and believe it will be an emotional experience at the finish line in a few weeks. 

“Assuming I do, I'm not 100 percent sure I'm going to get there, but yeah, it will be cool,” says Tyler.

“How Tyler has handled his life, his marriage, raising his son, his career, I'm incredibly proud of him,” says Kyle.

If you’d like to donate to the champion’s challenge, go to kylerunning.com