Meet Zachary Mendes

Whiz Kid:  Zachary Mendes

School:  John Jay Middle School 7th grader

Whiz Kid Accomplishment: Along with his mother, Rica Mendes, Zach has been a founding member of the Fairfield-Westchester Counties' Team benefitting Livestrong, the organization started by Lance Armstrong to raise awareness and money for the millions of people affected by cancer.

Whiz Kid’s Key to Awesomeness: Zachary, a Lance Armstrong fan since 2009, watched as his mother’s interest in cycling took on a serious purpose.

Rica Mendes had challenged herself that year to several 100 mile-plus rides. When the news came that a good friend of hers was re-diagnosed with cancer and the father of her son’s best friend was facing the disease, she decided to form the local Livestrong team. Her son, just twelve years old at the time, joined the effort in 2010, with a goal of raising $25,000.

They organized a spin-a-thon and bike-rides and even Zach’s birthday gifts were requested donations for the cause. The tally for the year was $8,000, which was donated to help provide information, inspiration and resources to 28 million people worldwide who are living with cancer.

You may have seen Zachary and his sister in front of Scott’s Corner Market in Pound Ridge, raising money for Livestrong. He is hoping that this year they will reach the $25,000 goal and, as a bonus, Zach will get to do a private ride with Lance Armstrong at the October “Ride for the Roses’ in Austin, Texas—a ride that celebrates and thanks those who raise funds for the organization.

Last year, though he was not able to go on that ride, Zachary and his mother did attend the event in Austin where they met members of Team RadioShack and cycling’s current National Road Champion, Ben King.

In Austin, Zachary completed a 62-mile race called the Austin Challenge, which he says was a proud achievement.

 “Lance Armstrong inspires me so much,” he says. "I think it is so amazing that he survived testicular cancer that also went to his lungs and brain."  Zachary says that however hard it is to ride the races, the effort is really about helping families who are affected by cancer and also to raise money for research.

He hopes his classmates at John Jay Middle School—the school’s theme this year is “Learn, Care, Lead”— will become involved with upcoming events. On April 10, at the , participants can run (or walk) 5K or ride 30 miles to benefit the Lance Armstrong Foundation. There will also be a children’s ride.

“There are a lot of kids who don’t like to do things with their moms,” says Rica Mendes. “Zach and I have a shared passion for this effort and it has given him a tremendous amount of confidence. The sport of cycling is such a positive outlet for him.”

For more information on upcoming local events that benefit Livestrong, click here.