Madison resident Tim Peters had long-dreamed of taking a 1,000-mile motorcycle road trip across KELOLAND, all in a single day.  He mapped out his route and charted the mileage, but he needed a reason to ride. He found that inspiration through his daughter. 

A breath of fresh air is enough to get Tim Peters outside. But when his thoughts run deep, Peters meets with his friend, Harley.

"There's nothing I'd rather do, it's a unique experience to get there, out on the road, and just kind of counter yourself with your thoughts, Peters said.

Lately, Peters has been thinking about the Make-A-Wish Foundation. And raising money and awareness for the organization through a thousand-mile road trip, became the strive for his drive.

His 17-year-old daughter Kara has cystic fibrosis and is being granted a wish of her own next summer: she'll be going on a photo-taking trip with National Geographic magazine. She wasn't available for an interview, but Peters says the trip means the world to her.

That gave Peters the idea to raise $5,000 so another Make-A-Wish child could get a special experience.

"I've been on the board for 7 years. It's in part, my way of giving back, raising funds for Make-A-Wish is part of my giving back, and it's very important to for these children and their families to have an experience like that," Peters said.

Peters' journey started in Madison. He drove north to Fargo, back down to Interstate 90, then west to Kadoka and looping around back home. Thirty-four gallons of gas, a six pack of water, and a couple of energy bars later, Peters traveled a total of 1,002 miles.

While he made the trip, he fell $3,500 short of his fundraising goal. But he's thankful to those who helped.

"They were just very supportive of the cause. And they realized these kids that get those wishes are special, and the families are as well, and they're just happy to support me in my 1,000-mile trip, Peters said.

it's something that Make-A-Wish South Dakota Chapter President Mary Olinger says will help bring a smile to a child's face.

"It really takes the child away from the daily routine of being in the hospital, going through surgeries, going through all types of medical treatment, having the "pokes," as kids call them, Olinger said.

But making that happen once a week, 52 weeks a year, requires a little financial help from the community.

"Fundraising is key for Make-A-Wish. Our whole mission is to grant wishes to those children, but to make certain that we're able to do it. We have to have fundraising efforts," Olinger said.

"It takes a tremendous amount of capitol to fulfill those wishes," Peters said.

As for Peters, he hopes that the money he raised will go to something that he can see through.

"My hope is to meet the child, meet that family, and continue that relationship. And that child grows, and what have you, I think it'll be pretty special," Peters said.

And meet again, somewhere down the road.

Peters says he's also thankful to the local community who pitched in for the gas costs. If you'd like to get more information on the foundation, visit the Make-A-Wish Web site.