Ethan Maurice, NAU Junior from Phoenix, Plans Cross-Country Charity Ride for Summer 2013.

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (04/02/2013)(readMedia)-- Ethan Maurice of Phoenix, Arizona plans to cycle across the country this summer in an effort to raise money for Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH). Ethan is a rising senior at Northern Arizona University and works in the Office of Disability Resources on campus. Ethan and his younger brother, Reid will start a two and a half month journey across America to raise money for PCH to give back for all of the support the organization has provided for Ethan as he battled meningoencephalitis and a stroke during his junior year of high school.

Over the years of recovery, Ethan's family and PCH provided the support and love Ethan needed to recover fully and become a successful student at NAU. Ethan speaks of his journey this summer with optimism, "As we slowly traverse our great country this summer, we'll know that with every up and down stroke of our feet, we'll be pedaling with purpose."

Follow Ethan on Twitter: @pedal_w_purpose, and learn about Ethan's full story here: http://action.phoenixchildrens.com/site/TR?px=1176541&fr_id=1220&pg=personal

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University has established a powerful legacy of educating students to help them make a difference in the world. With an expansive Extended Campuses program, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students located at more than 30 sites across Arizona or online. The university is a leader in integrating sustainability into university policies and educational curriculum highlighted by the Platinum LEED-certified Applied Research and Development building, the third-greenest building in the world. More information is online at nau.edu/