By Marci Izard

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) A Michigan man, biking his way across the country to raise awareness about suicide, made a stop in Western Massachusetts. David Alexander started his journey in May. He has already logged thousands of miles across the west coast, sharing the story of his seventeen year old daughter's death last December.

"There were actually two deaths in my family," Alexander says. "My wife passed away in January of cancer then my daughter, Angela, committed suicide in December. It's been devastating having two people you love very much just gone."

David plans to weave his way from West Springfield to New Haven, Conn., to Pennsylvania, eventually all the way down to Florida. He stays at motels and camp sites along the way, sharing his story with anyone who will listen.

But David's mission to heal and promote awareness hit a snag when he reached Massachusetts. His bike broke down and he does not have money for substantial repairs.  It is a complication that temporarily has his mission 'in park.'