ORLANDO, Fla. – Running 50 miles on a treadmill within 13 hours is one man's mission to raise $3,500 for breast cancer research.
Jeff Spraker, a regional manager of Hooters in Orlando and an experienced marathon runner, is running for someone that holds a special place in his heart.
"My mom [is] my inspiration. She always has been, and that's what I run for," Spraker said.
His mother, Rita, lost a five-year battle with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 68. The loss has influenced a fundraising tradition for the past five years.
In 2014, the nationwide Give A Hoot campaign raised $650,000 for breast cancer research. This year, Hooters hopes to raise $1 million.
"This is to raise awareness for this deadly disease, to do what we can to prevent other loss of lives," Spraker said.
Rotating team members from Hooters on Augusta National Drive will run alongside Spraker to cheer him on. During his hours on the treadmill, Jeff says that happy memories of his mother will keep him going.
The passionate runner with a cause plans to reminisce about "the warmth and love she gave everyone while she was here and the joy she still gives now that she is gone."