SLIPPERY ROCK — During a recent hospital visit, Brian McCandless was asked to speak with a family whose child was just diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

As a 19-year-old dealing with the same disease, McCandless told the family their child shouldn't feel limited by the diagnosis. As he heard himself talk, he realized the message should be shared with others.

So began the planning for Brian's Ride.

On May 17, McCandless of West Sunbury will bicycle 2,000 miles to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis and raise money for research.

"A person diagnosed with cystic fibrosis can do extraordinary things," said McCandless, who has been dealing with the life-threatening genetic disease his whole life.

The disease affects the respiratory and digestive systems, rendering the body unable to break down certain organic compounds like fats and mucous. The severity of the disease varies from person to person, according to McCandless.

"Those suffering from CF have trouble breathing and gaining or maintaining a healthy body weight," he said. "The average life expectancy for those with the disease is 34 years old.

For McCandless, it hasn't been a debilitating disease. He attributes his good health to exercising, especially bicycling, which he loves.

"I feel the exercise is very good for airway clearance," he said.

That's why he decided to incorporate the bicycle ride with his cause. Brian's Ride will begin May 17 in Pittsburgh and continue 1,000 miles to Tallahassee, Florida. McCandless will then make the return trip.

McCandless. who will celebrate his 20th birthday along the way, expects the whole journey to take 25 days.

His two cousins will follow him in a van, which will haul gear and serve as a back-up place to sleep if hotels fall through. McCandless is in the process of calling ahead and asking about free places to stay for the trip.

He has the support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and sponsorships from businesses, family and friends, but he is looking for more sponsors for the estimated $9,700 trip.

Though most of the lodging can be covered at minimal costs, some funding is needed. Other expenses include food, fuel and equipment.

Donations of bicycling gear and other types of assistance will also be accepted. The crew will need a video camera to document the trip, for example, he said.

While McCandless has participated in other fund raisers and even bike rides for cystic fibrosis, this is the first time he has organized such an event.

Most people are surprised when they find out what he's planning and especially surprised when they learn he has the disease.

That's why his most important goal on the trip is to spread the word and give others hope.

"I want to give hope to kids diagnosed with it," he said. "My message is clear: This disease does not have to beat us."

Diagnosed at birth, McCandless likens his case to asthma. He needs breathing treatments to help him break up the mucous in his lungs, and if he gets a cold or infection, it means watching the illness carefully and "lots of antibiotics." He also takes enzymes to help his food digest.

Otherwise, the college freshman and physical education major leads a normal life, he said.

Mary Pat Joseph, executive director of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, called McCandless' ride a "unique challenge," which will raise awareness and funds to fight the disease.

"This undertaking represents a significant challenge to the most average of cyclists and athletes," Joseph said, "but for Brian it is especially challenging as he battles cystic fibrosis every day of his life."

To donate toward Brian's Ride, call McCandless at 724-406-7896 or email cycleforcystic@gmail.com.

For more information on cystic fibrosis, call 800-562-5395 or visit cff.org.