Ken Smith is a 70 year-old grandfather from Michigan who is biking across the United States to support his grandson, who is dealing with an unknown neurological disorder.

“I believe in miracles, I do,” Ken said. He added that his dream miracle is that someday, his grandson Jakob will be able to speak.

Jakob began suffering from seizures as a baby, and though doctors could not figure out what exactly was wrong with him, they warned his parents that he would likely not make it to 2 years-old. They also said that he would be confined to a wheelchair as long as he lives.

“The neurologist said that Jakob would be dead by 2. He would never walk he would never speak,” Ken said.

Jakob beat the odds and just celebrated his 16th birthday. Inspired by the way his grandson has overcome every obstacle that he has been hit with, Ken decided to bike across the country to help raise money for his medical bills. While the journey has been fulfilling, it has not always been easy.

“I fell off my bike four times and have almost been hit twice,” Ken said, adding that he has travelled around 3,000 miles so far. “Going across the plains in Montana and North Dakota I had 20 days of temperatures over 100. No rain it was just hot.”

The support of his family has kept Ken going, as has the motivation of one day hearing Jakob’s voice.

“I believe someday he is going to talk and that day when that happens, lots of hugs,” he said.

Ken will keep biking until he reaches Massachusetts, where his family is waiting to welcome him! Find out more about this in the video below!