When Justin Cassamo found out in May of 2006 that his mother, Paula Greck, had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, he never felt more helpless. He didn't know quite where to start, but he knew he had to do something; and he knew that it had to be big.

"My mother has beautiful red hair, and when she lost it because of her chemotherapy treatment, I knew at that moment that cancer had made a new enemy - me," explained Cassamo. "Soon after that, I came up with the idea to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in my mother's honor."

To make his event official, 30-year-old Cassamo registered "Hike 4 Lives" as one of Roswell Park Cancer Institute's Team Cure community events. Each year, hundreds of community groups organize events to benefit cancer research and patient care at Roswell Park through the Team Cure program. His fundraiser is a unique way to help in the fight against cancer.

The Pacific Crest trail is one of the longest trails in the world, running from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, for a total of 2,650 miles. Cassamo will hike every one of these miles (it could take him up to six months) for his mother, who is now in remission, while collecting pledges for Roswell Park.

"My trek will be a true test of mind, body and spirit," he said. "But in the end, it will all be worth it because the donations I collect will help find cancer cures."

Cassamo will leave from the Buffalo/NiagaraInternational Airport on April 7, and will begin his 2,650-mile trek on April 13.

To make a donation to "Hike 4 Lives," and help Justin Cassamo reach his fundraising goal, please visit his online fundraising page at www.hike4lives.org. Information about "Hike 4 Lives" and Roswell Park's Team Cure community event program can be found at www.TeamCure.com.

Join Cassamo as he makes his way along the Pacific Crest Trail, by visiting his blog at www.Postholer.com/hike4lives.