This is a remarkable story of a brave young woman from right here in Southeast Texas.

She just finished with a long bicycle trek, but not just for exercise...to help those suffering from cancer.

It started over two weeks ago in Prince, Utah and ended at Vidor High School with a lap around the track.

Katie Loken tells KBMT 12 News "It's been long, the days run into each other, but it's all worth it"

Worth it she says because she is a cancer patient raising money for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, an organization dear to her heart. She says she wouldn't have been able to do it without her brother.

"I was the support car ... follow her ... when she needs water, sleep, food ... everything she needed," says Loken's brother Kris. "We had a great time ... scary ... tornado touchdown ... it was a fun, great trip."

Hundreds of Vidor students, family, and friends were all here this afternoon cheering Katie's homecoming.

One student says, "I think it's amazing. She has lots of courage."

Katie, who's real name is Katrina, has her own day in Vidor! The mayor not only named a day after her, but also gave her a key to the city!

But this law student remains humble.

She says, "It was a simple act."

For now, Katie's enjoying time with friends and family and has a few months to rest here in Southeast Texas.

Katie started raising money by taking donations - at least a penny a mile.

If you would like to donate, check out her web site at www.penniesformiles.blogspot.com.