Many the Miles is an Alex’s Million Mile (AMM) team that has set a goal of logging 997 miles, the distance that childhood cancer hero Henry Hodges traveled (not including multiple trips back and forth to the same location) while undergoing his treatment for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT). They are going 997 miles for Henry in the hopes that no other children have to make that journey in the future.

Only 22 months old when he diagnosed, his family was given very little hope from the doctors that Henry’s prognosis would be anything good. The statistics for his specific type of brain cancer in children, especially children of Henry’s age, are extremely upsetting. When faced with this news his family decided to focus on the positives each day and the hope that Henry would get better. Treatment was difficult and long – 269 days, of which he was an inpatient for 117. At his 3 month follow-up MRI, his family received great news that his tumor remains stable. Henry continues to improve everyday with the help of physical therapy and occupational therapy, but he and his family are coping with side effects from treatment including severe high frequency hearing loss that will require him to have hearing aids and sixth nerve palsy, which will require him to wear glasses. 

Even before the month of September began, Many the Miles built a float for the Watermelon Festival Parade in their hometown, Murfreesboro, NC, to spread the word about childhood cancer awareness and their efforts for AMM. Hero Henry Hodges, his little brother Daniel and their cousin Jenni rode on the float, which won first place!

The float featured three things that people could do to help support childhood cancer awareness: support local lemonade stands to benefit childhood cancer research, participate in Alex's Million Mile by joining their team or donate blood during an upcoming blood drive. 

Many the Miles is honored to burn through 997 miles in honor of Henry and reach those million miles with ALSF in September!

Visit Many the Miles page here!