Bearsun, an anime-inspired bear character, made his way through Hancock County last month. He arrived in New York, his destination, on Sunday, 134 days after starting his odyssey in California. (Shelley Swift | Daily Reporter)
HANCOCK COUNTY — Bearsun — the big-hearted bear walking cross-country to raise funds for charity — has finally made it to the Big Apple.
Los Angeles native Jesse Larios, 33, has spent the past 134 days walking more than 3,000 miles from Los Angeles to New York City, raising awareness and funding for a number of charitable causes.
Bearsun strolled through Hancock County on Oct. 19, making his way down U.S. 40 on his way from Indianapolis to Richmond.
He has used the walk highlight organizations like the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Autism Society for America, among others, all while wearing a giant bear suit based on the Japanese anime-type character he created.
Larios arrived in Times Square on Sunday, to the delight of his thousands of social media followers, who have tracked his daily progress throughout his journey.
While Bearsun is no doubt taking a much needed rest now that he’s reached his destination, he won’t be going into hibernation for long.
On an Instagram post Sunday night, Larios posted that a new quest — “The Run from Florida to Seattle, Washington” will start on New Year’s Day.
Before that, however, he’s embarking on a “Thank You Tour,” visiting with people he met along the way of his recent cross-country journey.
To learn more about his upcoming adventures, look for @iambearsun on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
