William Cowan and Barbara Crawford have a cause and they're willing to travel from Stanley, N.M., to Dripping Springs — around 750 miles — before Aug. 14 to achieve it. After losing three people in the past year, they have decided to try to raise money for the organization that took care of friends and loved ones before they passed away.

The pair came through Big Spring Wednesday, which was their sixth day on the road. They have averaged 66 miles each day, and rode approximately 80 miles the day they arrived in Big Spring.

Hospices are programs that take care of terminally ill patients who want to stay in their homes and not in a hospital. Hospices provide nursing care, medical equipment — such as movable beds or walkers — drugs and other healthcare services.

The pair are not asking for a donation to any specific hospice.

“You give to what hospice means the most to you,” said Cowan. “Then just send me an e-mail saying who you are and how much you gave. We actually had a few give to hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

The duo's original goal was to generate $2 per mile, but they exceeded that goal in the first 36 hours of their travels. According to their Web site, they have raised their goal to $5 per mile. Cowan's school community has already raised around $2,300 of their $3,750 goal.

“I heard as a child it's a work of mercy to comfort the dying — physically and spiritually,” said Crawford. “And that's what they do. They comfort the dying. That's why we're doing this.”

To contribute to William Cowan and Barbara Crawford's cause, you can visit www.determinedbird.com/tgm, or if you would like to participate, give a donation to the hospice of your choice and contact the team with the amount at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it