Heart surgery doesn’t hinder Legionnaire’s 100 Miles for Hope goal

Charles Schrader signed up to participate in the second annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope challenge right when registration opened on April 1. “It’s for a good cause,” Schrader said. All proceeds from the registration fee support The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation. “I enjoy participating and trying to help out.”

Schrader downloaded the Kilter app on his phone to keep track of his miles on his recumbent trike – a solo rider, the 79-year-old Legionnaire has put about 5,000 miles on his trike over the last four years. He logs five to 20 miles on paved trails around his home in Ocala, Fla.

But shortly after registering for the 100 Miles for Hope, Schrader had a scheduled heart surgery. Schrader told his doctor and nurses “Hey, let’s get this surgery done. I want to get back to riding. I have to do this 100 Miles for Hope.” After five days in the intensive care unit and four weeks of wearing a sling, “I was able to get back to what I was doing … riding my recumbent trike for 100 Miles for Hope.”

Schrader surpassed 100 miles by the end of May. With the 100 Miles for Hope, “I wanted to be a part of the challenge because of the charity it supports and to also feel like I’m part of something,” he said. “That I’m doing something worthwhile. I’m out riding I might as well make it worthwhile.”