Group Walking Across America to Lose Weight Pass Through Effingham

A small group of men walking across America passed through Effingham Wednesday, on a mission to lose weight and change the momentum of their lives.

Brothers Joe and Chris Cooke, along with their best friend Jason Rogers, began their trip across America May 17. The trio is heading from western New York to southern California, a 2,700-mile journey. Jason said they plan to avoid the coming winter by heading south through New Mexico to get passed the Rocky Mountains.

They were spotted walking down Fayette Avenue Wednesday morning and asked why they undertook such a journey. Jason said at one point last year, he weighed 478 pounds and his brother Chris was at 340 lbs. Jason was scheduled for gastric bypass surgery and had to lose 20 lbs. to qualify for surgery. He began walking, met that goal and decided he could do it on his own, without surgery.

So far, he's lost 34 pounds. He's yet to weigh himself in Illinois, but the group said they might stop by St. Anthony's Hospital or Marshall Clinic after receiving directions this morning.

To keep up with the group's journey, and donate to their cause, head to their Go Fund Me page, located here.