A Mason City native has just finished a cross-country bicycle trip to raise awareness about congenital heart defects.
Nels Matson, 27, who now lives in Bradenton, Fla., underwent open-heart surgery when he was 3. Given a clean bill of health at 5, the childhood problem never slowed him down.
When he got older, Matson said he did some research into congenital heart defects and learned that 1 in 100 children is affected. So he decided to ride his bicycle from California to New York City to raise money and awareness of the condition.
"I figured I could meet a lot of people with the bike ride and get a lot of information about congenital heart defects out," Matson said by telephone from New York on Tuesday. "A lot of the kids born with congenital heart defects aren't as fortunate as I am and can't do some activities. But riding a bike is something that doesn't accelerate your heart too fast if you go at a gradual pace. It's something they could participate in as well."
Matson, whose family moved from Mason City when he was around 2 or 3 but whose grandparents still live there, left from Santa Monica, Calif., June 8. He averaged about 100 miles each day, passing through Chicago July 6-7. He traveled on highways and country roads, averaging about 20 mph on flat ground.
During the 43-day trip, Matson rested four days.
"I think sometimes the days of rest were the hardest because you get into that routine of getting up and doing the bike," he said. "... Your body stiffens up on that day off, and rigor mortis sets in."
On the upside, Matson did have the opportunity to meet with people on his days off. He met children with heart defects, and said he found their stories inspiring.
"It was awesome meeting the kids," Matson said. "Those kids have been through so much. It's crazy. When you are talking to some of these kids, it's like talking to a 30-year-old man in an 8-year-old's body. They've been through stuff that kids shouldn't have to go through."
On Tuesday, at the end of the trip, Matson was interviewed on the Today show. "That was pretty exciting," he said. John Reynolds can be reached at 788-1524.
Want to help?
Nels Matson is raising money for the Children's Heart Foundation, which funds the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects. To donate, go to Matson's website at www.athletes4heart.com.
Photo: Website picture of Nels Mason
Copyright 2010 The State Journal-Register. Some rights reserved
