Shawn Owenberg will be riding for Team Chordoma at "The Livestrong Challenge," a biking challenge in Philadelphia on August 23. The event will help raise both funds and awareness for various types of cancers, including chordoma.

Owenberg, who was raised in West Babylon, was diagnosed with chordoma, a rare bone cancer that affects only 2100 patients in the United States, in 2006. He is the leader of "Team chordoma," working with parents, family members, and friends, of chordoma patients in the ride against cancer. Thisyear, the team is riding in memory of Justin Strauss and Lauren Richmond, who died last year from chordoma at the respective ages of 13 and 15.

As team captain, Owenberg organizes the fundraising, distributes the team jerseys, and works with both TheLance Armstrong Foundation and the National Chordoma Foundation.

"Our goal is to get the chordoma community out there," he said. "We want to let those with the disease know that they are not alone."

The LiveStrong Foundation conducts five rides nationwide, but one of Owenberg's long-term goals is to have a team in major cities nationwide. Last year more than 500 people gathered for the event at Babylon Town Hall. The LiveStrong Foundation plans to hold the same event this October 3.

Owenberg was recently diagnosed with leptomenigaile disease in addition to chordoma. He is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment and remains optimistic.

"Theysaid I would need to be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life," Owenberg said. "But here I am still riding."

For more information or to find out how you can help, go to teamchordoma@yahoo.com.