Twenty-six years ago, a Miller Place man was told he had three years to live - but Chris Pendergast continues to defy the odds.

Pendergast is raising awareness, and money, to find a cure for ALS - with big help from Long Island students.

News 12 Long Island's Elizabeth Hashagen and photojournalist Brian Jingeleski went along for the 22nd annual Ride For Life.

The 100-mile journey takes about 12 days to complete. Throughout the school year, Pendergast goes from school to school teaching children not just about ALS, but also about never giving up and overcoming adversity.

The ride has inspired patients, the public and especially students.

 

Since the ALS Ride for Life started 22 years ago, they have raised more than $8 million for research and patient care on Long Island.