SEATTLE — On Monday, March 21, dubbed World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, Matt Lyman will complete his 321-mile bike ride from Bellingham to Portland in an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound.
“It’s 321 for 321 and that means 321 miles on 3.21," Lyman said.
Lyman's seven-year-old daughter Pheobe has Down syndrome, otherwise known as trisomy 21.
The Lymans say the Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound has been a vital resource to their family. Molly Lyman says her daughter Phoebe is a great reader because of the a learning program she was able to access through the organization.
"She's an amazing kid, very inspiring," Molly Lyman said. "The Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound really supports the families, and what they do is make it possible for inclusion to happen."
The family has become champions for raising awareness and supporting other families in the community.
Matt Lyman will be joined by a friend Steve Manghi who says supporting his friend and fighting for inclusion is a no-brainer, even if it means riding a bike 321 miles in three days. The pair will travel to Bellingham by car and hit the road on their bikes at 6 a.m. on Saturday morning. Day one will end in Seward Park in Seattle, day two will take them to Chehalis and day three will end in Portland, Ore.
“We can’t thank our supporters and sponsors enough, because of them all of the money we raise will go directly to the Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound!” Matt Lyman said.
The Down Syndrome Community is a nonprofit that has been serving families in Puget Sound for more than 30 years.
The organization relies on volunteers and donations to accomplish its mission of empowering people with Down syndrome and their families through life-long learning and experiences while building an accepting and inclusive society.
The Lymans know many people can’t take off on a 321-mile bike ride this weekend but hope you’ll support the ride virtually by following along on Instagram or Facebook.
"Just look up 321 for 3.21 and you can even see what the winning vote is for naming rights to my bike. Currently ‘Bikey McBikeface’ is in the lead, so vote!” laughed Lyman.
Rain or shine the team will pedal to the finish line in Portland Oregon on Monday where Unicorn Brewing will welcome them with their own custom beer. To support the Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound and the 321 for 3.21 bike ride visit their website here.