Man Peddling Cross Country For Good Cause Stops In Pittsburgh

Pedaling across the country to fight childhood heart disease, a Florida man made a stop in Pittsburgh to honor a local child.

Nels Matson, 27, is riding across the country from Santa Monica, Calif., to New York City, crossing 15 states to raise money for the Children's Heart Foundation.

Matson stopped at the South Side Works and honored Alec James Kahler, of Jefferson Hills. Kahler died from complications due to a congenital heart defect.

Before heading out on a bike ride with local supporters, Matson talked to Channel 11 News about why he's riding.

“I was actually born with a congenital heart defect, and had open heart surgery when I was about 3 years old,” Matson said. “And I'm riding, because one in 100 kids are born with a heart defect, and these heart defects can be fatal."

Matson hopes to raise over $100,000 for the Children's Heart Foundation for research.

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