Raising financial support and continued awareness for Hurricane Sandy victims, ultra-endurance runner Jason Lester of Hawaii passed through the area, following state routes 54, 309 and 895, Sunday evening on his 3,100 mile journey from San Francisco to New York City.

On his journey, which started May 5, he continues to spread testimony of inspiration and hope.Driven by his deep purpose to serve, his journey was a collaborative service project with Waves For Water, which serves as an active presence and force for the Hurricane Sandy Relief Initiative.The initiative supports neighborhoods and communities recovering from Hurricane Sandy and continues to be tireless and significantly meaningful to thousands in these devastated communities.Lester said his goal is to raise $20,000, which will rebuild a home for one family, giving them a restorative step forward toward the future.When asked about his run, Lester said, "It has always been a mission of mine to run across the United States for a greater purpose than myself. I want this run to be a motivational experience for the countless cities and communities that make up our great country. This is a run of inspiration, which I hope will encourage and motivate individuals, families, and communities to make changes for the better. This opportunity to use my gifts to create a new start and restore hope is truly an enormous blessing for me. Although many have lost everything, they are not focusing on their losses but on the abundance of love and support that they have for their families, friends, and communities. They have chosen to rise and never stop believing."Lester's trek took him through Tamaqua, West Penn Township, East Penn Township, Lehighton, Parryville, Bowmanstown, Palmerton, and Walnutport.To follow Lester's progress, visitors can go to his website RunMan5.com.