Two young Valley BMX bike riders are part of an important race — the race for a cure for cancer.

Brothers Sean and Ryan Hyland, both from North Bend, will be among those participating Sunday, June 21 in the Race for Life, held at their home course, the North SeaTac BMX Park and sponsored by the American Bicycle Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Association.

Riders will be raising money to fight cancer and help those who are afflicted by the disease. The Hylands have pledged the money they raise in the event to help Bill Wixey, a veteran Seattle television news personality. Wikey was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma affected nearly 144,000 people in the United States last year, according to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Survival of this cancer is common, as over 86 percent of those who are diagnosed with it recover and live more than five years following diagnosis.

Sean Hyland understands how important their efforts are in fighting the disease.

“We have learned that it is a terrible and serious thing that needs to be cured,” he said.

The Hylands have been riding for three years and race for the Center Cycling Racing team. Sean is a student at Twin Falls Middle School in North Bend while Ryan attends North Bend Elementary.

KCPQ, the station Wixey currently works for, recently interviewed the boys about their decision to support Wixey’s fight against cancer.

The brothers have raised around $400 through various fundraising activities and are still collecting donations.

“We hope to raise as much money as we can,” said North SeaTac BMX board member Kim Patera, whose group raised $4,000 for the cause last year.

To give to their effort, call Kathy Hyland at (425) 281-8413 or e-mail to kathyskidsdc@yahoo.com. Donations can also be made by calling the track (see sidebar).