September 20, 2015, Claire’s father, Rocky Wagonhurst, embarked on a solo 630 mile bicycling trip to complete Claire’s journey to college. His trek took him from Charleston, South Carolina where Claire dreamed of starting an interior design business, onto the two college campuses where Claire had gained acceptance prior to her passing: Georgia Southern and the University of Alabama. All along the way he shared Claire’s story, raised awareness of adolescent melanoma and kept their pact of sharing an afternoon of college football together.
“Although I have run a number of marathons over the years, I have never cycled this distance. After years of watching Claire push herself athletically, mentally and emotionally to overcome surgeries and drug treatments to stay competitive in lacrosse, cross country and aerobic competitions, I knew I needed to challenge myself as she always did. Cycling this route is a way I can honor my daughter, her amazing spirit and undaunted belief that we should embrace every moment.”