The Baltimore Sun from Baltimore, Maryland • G2

2 THE BALTIMORE SUN HOWARD SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2018 HOWARD Television meteorologist Justin Berk is hitting the road thisweek, againhikingand cycling acrossMaryland to raise funds and support the holistic therapies for kidswith cancer through his organization, Just In PowerKids. Beginning today and ending Saturday, Berk will traverse the state fromWisp Ski Resort to Ocean City, including a path through part ofHowardCounty. trekwill total 329 miles in seven days, with a daily average of 27 miles hiking and 14 miles biking. In addition, there will be two days where they bike about 50miles. purpose is to tell stories of kids with cancer that we highlight each Berksaid.

is todevelopanetwork of holistic integrated wellness practitio- ners and then provide free treatment for kids in and up to five years post Berk started the nonprofit organization, Just In Power Kids, with his fiancee, Shannon Simmons, who he met along the trek route twice before they started dating. Healsohas thehelpofhis Rogers. The website, marylandtrek.com, allows people to follow the journey. It shows details of the route, including its Aug. 8 schedule cutting through Sykesville and into Howard County along Route 32.

The trek will then follow Old Frederick Road to the Ellicott City area via Bethany Lane and Frederick Road, crossing into Baltimore County. The website notes that this leg of the journey is dubbed the Madden Memorial dedicated to friend Shawn Madden, who died in August 2014. The route passes Gym in Eldersburg, and includes a street party in Sykesville. Another key date along the trek will be Aug. children are invited to be part of a Kids Trek Too event near Annapolis a 2-mile long trek.

Children who wish to participate must arrive at 11:30 a.m.; the trek team is expected to arrive at noon. The meeting location will be trail headquarters, at 51West Earleigh Heights in Severna Park. The minimum fundrais- ing amount is $40 to participate, and children taking part receive a glow in the dark Just In Power Trek bracelet, sticker and refreshments. Those younger than8mustbeaccompaniedbyan adult. For more information about Kids Trek Too email Those interested inmakingadonationmay visit the GoFundMe page at crow- drise.com/o/en/campaign/maryland- trek-5.

Berk said he was inspired to start this organization because he was diagnosed with cancer in his left tibia when hewas 14 years old. wanted to amputate. It turned out to be a staph infection in my bone, and due to complications I still almost lost my leg. But after a lengthy stay in the hospital and on IV, I fully recovered and went back to playing baseball and running track stated Berk. Berk said the first year he started the trek, he raised $25,000 for charity.

The organization has been growing ever since. This goal is to raise $50,000. will allow us to provide our full suite of treatment for 100 stated Berk. Berkemphasized that thepurposeof the trek is to push the physical and mental limits hiking and biking a marathonwith the goal of raising funds for these kids. This year, they have around 30 people involved.

is the thing the team will endure. It is physically and mentally challenging, but so he said. lots of pain, blisters, and some tears, there is also a bond between us that augments the inspiration we want to give the trek passing through Howard Meteorologist is raising money for his cancer charity, Just In Power Kids By Sharina Taveras Lopez For The Baltimore SunMedia Group Justin Berk broadcasts on Facebook Live outside TriSport Junction in Sykesville as his Cool Kids Campaign team makes a stop in Sykes- ville as part of the 2017 Trek Across Maryland. DYLAN SUN MEDIA GROUP 2017 lots of pain, blisters, and some tears, there is also a bond between us that augments the inspiration we want to give the Justin Berk LONG FOSTER A i I A A 2 5 a Choosing the right makes all the If thinking of buying or selling, call 410.292.4000 to discuss your needs. 410.292.4000 410.715.2737 www.HomesHoCo.com facebook.com/HoCoMDHomes i a i a I A I I I.