Dick Harmon: Former BYU linebacker Markell Staffieri anxious for 460-mile ride to Boise for Thursday Heroes

Said the former linebacker, whose wife is expecting their third child in December, "Holly Mendenhall has called Boise State's football staff and asked if they have a Bronco fan that could be a Thursday Hero that both teams could honor on game day. She's also asked if there are Boise State football alumni who might want to meet us on the way and bike into town with us."

So far, 20 BYU alumni in the Boise area have signed up and Staffieri said some Boise State alumni have also accepted the challenge and have signed up to ride the last leg.

"You know, the best part of this?" asked Staffieri. "It's that Andrew is still with us. He will be on this ride. He's been cancer-free the past few years and that is a miracle.

"Of all the people I met, of all the things I ever did in college, meeting Andrew, seeing him fight, experiencing his courage, is the best thing that ever happened to me as a BYU football player."

EMAIL: dharmon@desnews.com TWITTER: Harmonwrites

Thursday's Heroes

In 2006, the Holly and Bronco Mendenhall Foundation started the Thursday's Heroes program at BYU. Its purpose is to honor children and families who face significant life challenges.

Thursday's Heroes are hosted at a Thursday football practice prior to every game. The hero is presented with gifts and autographed memorabilia as a token of strength in adversity and joins the team for a meal and is honored at a home game. A charitable fund is established to help the family's needs.