Robert Butts

I plan to ride 400 miles to raise funds for research to reduce the pain and suffering of children who are diagnosed with cancer and to live healthy lives.

Donate Now

I've Ridden 388.6 mi My goal is 400 mi

My Rankings

National: 41st
State: 1st in WA

I've raised $10,408 to fight kids' cancer Donate Now

I'm Riding For

Kathleen

When we met with Kathleen's oncologist, Dr. Hawkins, in the winter of 2001, he told us that she had a Rhabdomyosarcoma, a childhood cancer with a survival rate of 50%. Our only child had a 50% chance of dying! However, he was leading a research project similar to the type of research funded by this organization that increased the odds to 85%, but it meant more chemo using more lethal drugs. Fortunately, thanks to Dr. Hawkins, Dr. Conrad (her surgeon), and the incredible staff at Childrens, she is a healthy and happy 38-year old mother of two.

My Story

2 Sep 2026

Hello, friends. This September, I am again taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to raise funds to fund childhood cancer research.

Currently, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. More than 15,700 children are diagnosed every year, and sadly, 38 children die of cancer every week. Unfortunately, Congress and the Trump administration have made very drastic cuts (40%) in cancer research that will negatively impact thousands of children and their families into the future.

Twenty-five years ago when our 13-year old daughter Kathleen was being treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital in Seattle, we met many families with children who were being treated for cancer. Many kids survived, but many did not. It was heartbreaking.

I am raising funds through my challenge to help these kids and support the Children's Cancer Research Fund to allow them to continue their work to develop lifesaving treatments. Funds from the organization have supported research at Childrens in Seattle.

Your support will help change the lives of children and spare their families and loved ones the pain and agony of losing a child.

I understand that there are so many worthwhile causes and candidates to support in these troubling times. If you are maxed out, please consider a small contribution that will give me the incentive to keep on riding.

Thank you.

Bob

My Legacy

Here's my personal impact over 3 years to fight kids' cancer and save little lives.

250 mi Ridden

$4,100 Raised

2024
301 mi Ridden

$5,502 Raised

2025
389 mi Ridden

$10,408 Raised

2026

940 mi

Ridden

$20,010

Raised

My Challenge

14.7 mi ride - On my way to 400 miles! About 12 miles to go. - Monday, September 28, 2026

Logged this ride 21 hours ago - View on Strava
40.6 mi ride - Out Chehalis-Western Trail to Tenino and back on the roads - Sunday, September 27, 2026

Logged this ride 2 days ago - View on Strava
22.3 mi ride - Heading to Home for Lunch - Thursday, September 24, 2026

Logged this ride 5 days ago - View on Strava
39.3 mi ride - Green River Trail Loop - Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Logged this ride 7 days ago - View on Strava
50.8 mi ride - Pleasant easy Saturday sojourn to Yelm - Saturday, September 19, 2026

Logged this ride 10 days ago - View on Strava
30.7 mi ride - Another Sunny Day on the Bike! To Monarch Sculpture Park - Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Logged this ride 13 days ago - View on Strava
40.5 mi ride - Keep on Trucking: 40+ miles - Monday, September 14, 2026

Logged this ride 15 days ago - View on Strava
46.0 mi ride - Childhood Cancer Ride: Putting on the Miles - Saturday, September 12, 2026

Logged this ride 17 days ago - View on Strava
23.1 mi ride - 5th Childhood Cancer ride: Vashon Island - Thursday, September 10, 2026

Logged this ride 19 days ago - View on Strava
$5,000 raised to fight kids' cancer!

I just hit $5,000 to fight kids' cancer! Thank you so much for your support.

Posted 20 days ago

My Sponsors

Kick Cancer's Butt Day matched donation

“Here's your matched donation from a group of wonderful Children's Cancer Research Fund supporters. THANK YOU so much for your awesome efforts to kick cancer's butt!”
$3,122.55
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert
Chris Meserve

“Very impressive! Keep up the good work.”
$500
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thanks, once again, Chris for your generosity. You are a real warrior when it comes to fighting cancer.”

Thanks, once again, Chris for your generosity. You are a real warrior when it comes to fighting cancer.
Chuck and Leslie Shimer

“Good luck with the rides! What a nice way to support this organization and honor Kathleen's successful recovery from cancer so many years ago now!”
$258.75
Received this donation 14 days ago

Robert

“Thank you, Chuck and Leslie. Your contribution has boosted my sponsorship to 48th in the country! I am very appreciative of the great care Kathleen received at Children’s Hospital so many years ago, and understand the difference that research and trials can make in the lives of children and families. Thanks again!”

Thank you, Chuck and Leslie. Your contribution has boosted my sponsorship to 48th in the country! I am very appreciative of the great care Kathleen received at Children’s Hospital so many years ago, and understand the difference that research and trials can make in the lives of children and families. Thanks again!
Craig Partridge

“Congrats, Bob, on your continuing work to end childhood cancer.”
$258.75
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thank you my long time friend! You really are one of the very best in so many ways.”

Thank you my long time friend! You really are one of the very best in so many ways.
Kim and Mark Holt
$258.75
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thank you Kim and Mark. I'm looking forward to getting behind the helm and racing after the award winning Color My World! See you on the water in October!”

Thank you Kim and Mark. I'm looking forward to getting behind the helm and racing after the award winning Color My World! See you on the water in October!
Robert Hargreaves

“Sorry I’m so late in adding to your impressive fund raising for this incredibly important cause, Bob; I’m just now catching up on things after a 40 day cruise to the San Juans. You have certainly logged some ambitious bike rides - I hope you are not out riding in today’s (9/25) stormy weather! Keep up the good work for a great cause! Look forward to seeing you soon. Cheers, Bob”
$258.75
Received this donation 4 days ago

Robert

“Thanks very much, Bob. I went for a ride yesterday in very pleasant weather on the Kitsap Peninsula and I am currently nice and warm on my boat at the Longbranch dock waiting for the weather to improve. Thanks again!”

Thanks very much, Bob. I went for a ride yesterday in very pleasant weather on the Kitsap Peninsula and I am currently nice and warm on my boat at the Longbranch dock waiting for the weather to improve. Thanks again!
Ed and Char Alkire
$250
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thank you Ed and Char, especially for going the extra hassle of dealing with a check. You both are fabulous.”

Thank you Ed and Char, especially for going the extra hassle of dealing with a check. You both are fabulous.
Katrina Forest
$250
Received this donation 10 days ago

Robert

“Many thanks, Katrina! Thanks to your donation, I'm confident I'll reach $10,000. It's been fun following you on Strava and Facebook. It appears you and Cary are sailing in exotic places and getting plenty of exercise. If you ever want to use my Sailboat in Olympia, I'd be happy to give you the friend and family rate., which is $150 day. Look up the boat details at Boatsetter. Thanks again!”

Many thanks, Katrina! Thanks to your donation, I'm confident I'll reach $10,000. It's been fun following you on Strava and Facebook. It appears you and Cary are sailing in exotic places and getting plenty of exercise. If you ever want to use my Sailboat in Olympia, I'd be happy to give you the friend and family rate., which is $150 day. Look up the boat details at Boatsetter. Thanks again!
Anonymous
$200
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert
Calvin Brodie

“Captain Bob, You’re leaning in on a very important cause. Proud of you! Thanks for letting us ”ride along””
$155.25
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thanks, Cal and Kim. It's good to hear from you and especially when you are sending big funds to a worthy cause.”

Thanks, Cal and Kim. It's good to hear from you and especially when you are sending big funds to a worthy cause.
Sam Chandler
$155.25
Received this donation 10 days ago

Robert

“Thank you my friend. I'm sorry I missed you at Hood Canal, but let's meet again for lunch in October. My schedule is quite open...maybe should try a new place in Tacoma?”

Thank you my friend. I'm sorry I missed you at Hood Canal, but let's meet again for lunch in October. My schedule is quite open...maybe should try a new place in Tacoma?
Stephen Nielsen

“Most worthy effort. Ride safe for a great cause.”
$155.25
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Hello my long lost friend, and thanks for your donation. Let's get together in the months ahead. A bike ride? Beer? Coffee? Sailboat race? Hike? Your choice!”

Hello my long lost friend, and thanks for your donation. Let's get together in the months ahead. A bike ride? Beer? Coffee? Sailboat race? Hike? Your choice!
steven hager

“Way to go Bob -- a great cause. And you, be careful riding out there!! Steve H”
$155.25
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thank you Mr. Hager. I'm refraining from texting when riding and have a great rear view laser that lets me know when cars are behind me. Let's hope I stay safe!”

Thank you Mr. Hager. I'm refraining from texting when riding and have a great rear view laser that lets me know when cars are behind me. Let's hope I stay safe!
David Snow

“Bob: what a great cause, and one that resonates with me since I successfully (so far) completed cancer treatment with UW/Fred Hutch in February. We put a man on the moon 57 years ago and are still battling cancer. It's time my friend!”
$150
Received this donation 21 days ago

Robert

“Ah, David, I did not know about your cancer malady. We must chat! Thanks very much for your support.”

Ah, David, I did not know about your cancer malady. We must chat! Thanks very much for your support.
Barbara Llewellyn-Butts

“Nothing is more deserving of a good butt kicking than cancer, as we know all too well. Thank you for keeping the "pedal to the metal."”
$103.50
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thanks Barbara for the donation and being such a faithful and consistent supporter of Kathleen!”

Thanks Barbara for the donation and being such a faithful and consistent supporter of Kathleen!
Brenda Anderson
$103.50
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thanks, Brenda. I really appreciate your support. I look forward to seeing you on the water in the months ahead.”

Thanks, Brenda. I really appreciate your support. I look forward to seeing you on the water in the months ahead.
Debra Clemens

“Bob, Thanks for your efforts to raise funds and awareness about childhood cancer research. Enjoy the ride! Deb and Jeff”
$103.50
Received this donation 27 days ago

Robert

“Thank you Deb and Jeff. I have enjoyed living vicariously with you on your trip to Iceland.”

Thank you Deb and Jeff. I have enjoyed living vicariously with you on your trip to Iceland.
Denny Heck
$103.50
Received this donation 10 days ago

Robert

“Thank you my long-time friend. Your support is very much appreciated. I hope you and Paula are doing swell!”

Thank you my long-time friend. Your support is very much appreciated. I hope you and Paula are doing swell!
Douglas Hawkins

“Thanks for pedaling for childhood cancer research funding!”
$103.50
Received this donation 20 days ago

Robert

“Thank you, Dr. Hawkins for your contribution but more importantly, your decades of service to children and families as they struggle with the ravages of pediatric cancer. You are a hero!”

Thank you, Dr. Hawkins for your contribution but more importantly, your decades of service to children and families as they struggle with the ravages of pediatric cancer. You are a hero!
Ellen Ebert

“Bob, Thank you so much for your passion and dedication to fighting childhood cancer. I am grateful. Ellen”
$103.50
Received this donation 3 days ago

Robert

“Thank you, Ellen. For me, it's a great way to get my body into shape, connect with friends, and support a very worthy cause. What can be better than that? I hope you are enjoying your retirement - you've earned it.”

Thank you, Ellen. For me, it's a great way to get my body into shape, connect with friends, and support a very worthy cause. What can be better than that? I hope you are enjoying your retirement - you've earned it.