PORTLAND, Ore. - In 2007, KATU News talked to 15-year-old cancer survivor Jimmy Fowkes as he prepared to ride his bike in the LIVESTRONG Challenge.

"It's not just about the ride, but more about the money you raise. That's the important part," the Lake Oswego teen said then.

This year, his strength is not quite the same; his brain cancer has returned and chemotherapy keeps him tired.

"It's something kind of hard to register," he said, four days before Sunday's challenge.

If Fowkes needs to feel better, he does not have to go far. The Fowkes' home is filled with framed jerseys and photos signed by seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong, who has become a family friend.

In 2006 and 2007, Armstrong's foundation recognized Fowkes as the Portland region's top fundraiser.

Armstrong's success in battling his own cancer has kept Fowkes motivated.

"(Lance's) whole story is something I believe in," he said, explaining why he continues to raise money for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

In six months, he has raised over $35,000 and is on track to set another record with the help of his 11-year-old sister, Molly.

Molly has her own goal.

"I think everyone's wish is just ... no more cancer," she said, adding that what keeps her living strong are some words her brother always says to her. "(He says), 'If you feel sorry for yourself, it doesn't help you. But if you look at the world and try to help other people, it's karma. It's gonna come back to you.' "

Their parents, Dan and Margo Fowkes, are understandably proud.

"I think it's given (Jimmy) a sense of his place in the world in a way that most teenagers don't get the opportunity to have," his mother said.

Dan Fowkes remembers signing up his son for the challenge's 40-mile ride during the teen's first surgery in January 2006.

"When I signed Jimmy up it was something to get his physical strength back, and something to work toward in his physical recovery," he said. "And the notion of raising money never entered our minds."

Over the years, raising funds for cancer research has become the teen's top priority.

"I'm fighting cancer, but I'm doing it in a different way," he said.

For Sunday's challenge, the teen still plans to walk. His younger sister is planning to ride her bicycle.

The teen began fundraising alone in 2006. Last year, his sister joined his effort. Together, the two have raised over $100,000. So far this year, they estimate they are ahead in the fundraising race by about $15,000.

To make a donation to the Fowkes LIVESTRONG Fund, click here.

For more on Sunday's LIVESTRONG event in Beaverton, click here.