Family roughing it for fund-raising 'vacation'

The Stobbs camped out in their back yard for practice.

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- While most families are heading to the lake, mountains, or taking a cruise this summer, the Stobbs family is taking a more unique vacation.

They're riding their bicycles across the United States. Included in their cargo will be everything they need to survive for three months.

It's not just about the adventure. Their goal: $120,000 for victims of leukemia and lymphoma -- cancers of the blood and lymph system.

The Stobbs are a rather well-coifed clan -- not a family that looks like they're used to roughing it.

Are they professional bikers? "No way," they laugh. "We're Sunday bikers!"

EXTRA INFORMATION Interview:  The Stobbs family talks with CNN as they hit the trail. Map:  Follow the Stobbs' route   CNN NewsPass VIDEO CNN's Rhonda Rowland talks with a family who will bike across the United States to raise money for cancer. (June 26) Play video

Yet 65-year-old Dick Stobbs, a retired insurance broker; wife Martha, a garden designer; daughter Lili, a flight attendant; and Katherine, who works in a floral boutique, are giving up the comforts of home to pedal for a cure.

They started in Anacortus, Washington -- north of Seattle. The finish line is Boston.

"As much as it is about our family, and having three months as a family, we're doing it for other people," says Lili. "You know, dad used to always say we need to contribute to society."

Two of Lili's college sorority sisters, Lori Moll and Ang Ezekiel, are victims of these cancers. Lori died from complications a year after she graduated. Ang is in remission.

"She's really glad that we're doing it in her honor. She's really glad that her name and her story will be able to help other people," says Lili.

Katherine Stobbs admits their goal of a research grant through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is a lofty one.

The Stobbs go for a practice bike ride around their neighbourhood.

"The whole family thought well, if we're going to raise money, we could probably raise $30,000, but we might be able to raise more than that. So, let's try for $120,000 and we could pay for a whole fund, a whole three-year research fund," she says.

After canvassing family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, they're more than halfway there. They say as far as contributions go, some days are better than others.

They packed, planned and even camped out in the back yard for practice. The Stobbs began their trip Wednesday.

To stay motivated, they keep in mind that researchers are well on their way to finding a cure for leukemia and lymphoma.

"We're doing the small part. We're only riding our bike across the country," says Dick.