COLUMBIA, MO. -- An Iowa teenager is biking from border to border across America to help fight the nation’s number one killer.

She calls her journey “Powered by the Heart”.

Allison Koch, 18, passed through Columbia as she travels 2,200 miles in 6 states in 27 days.

Allison is riding from Canada to Mexico to raise money for the American Heart Association.

Allison’s father Dave is following her in a car to make sure she stays safe.

Allison said her long, hot ride also emphasizes the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy heart.

Allison said, “I participated in cross country and track.  Exercise has always been a big part of my life.  I just wanted to match my interests with my desire to help others.”

Allison is about one-third of the way of raising her goal of $10,000.

If you would like to make a donation to her “Powered by the Heart” campaign, click on the link below.