In 1987 Bruce Rogers took it upon himself to spread the word of Push America by cycling across America. What he didn’t know at that time is that his efforts would be repeated every year by more and more Pi Kappa Phis, making The Journey of Hope one of the largest events sponsored by Push America. Today this journey is comprised of about 90 cyclists on three unique routes, cycling over 12,000 miles combined. The Journey of Hope is a cross country bicycle trek beginning in San Francisco or Seattle, and ending together 9 weeks later in Washington DC.
Raising Awareness
Along the way, each team reaches out to communities through newspapers, radio, and television, reaching millions of people each year to talk about the abilities of people with disabilities. After an average day of 75 miles, you won’t find the team members resting or preparing for the next day. You may, however, find them dancing at a friendship visit with a local group that supports people with disabilities, or participating in a game of wheelchair basketball. You may find them being interviewed by a local media station, as the Mayor declares it to be Push America Day. You may also find the team members performing a puppet show to teach children about the abilities of people with disabilities.
Raising Money
Each cyclist has pledged to raise a minimum of $5,000 for Push America, and each crew member $2,500, before the Journey begins. As a team, the Journey of Hope raises over $500,000 each year for Push America. This money goes directly back into Push America to fund the many building projects, and community outreach programs it organizes each year. I have pledged to go above the minimum goal, by pledging to raise $8,000 by the time we hit the road next summer, but I can’t do it without you! Please visit the “Donate” link at the top to see how you can help.
Video from the 2002 ride
I was a crew member on this ride. If you look closely during the opening speech, you can see a much younger me (with a lot more hair) in the background.
Randy & Patty Heil André Lißner Zandra Myrick Lloyd & Dorothy Redmon Nintendo 64 Shaun Honeycutt Rick & Cindy Slocum Matt Matheny Larry & Pj Davis Jens Humrich Galen & Karen Van Blaricum VeliAd Remon Ginsburg Rich & Jane Bireta Stephan Hähne Tim Baird Karen & David Bireta Malte & Mareike Aaron & Kristin Huerter David & Dan Dan Gaus Edward & Bonnie Redmon David Jacobson Family Elmar Brosinsky Eric Caughey Amanda & Amber Donaldson Nico & Corinna Paul Epp David Maulat Bud & Beth Weiler Marilyn Bailey John Sheu Jeremy and Stacey Kincaid Logan Smith Dan McNeill & Phoebe Tse Laura Serbus Andy Wolf & Stacie Adams Lindsay Larson Jan Andrick Konrad Kerz Jaymin D. Patel Jack Porter & Marian Hukle Dean & Andi Burger Frank Weilandt Jean Serbus Samantha Reinblatt Albert & Betty Kutzke Margaret Bayer Brent Paulger Nick Guinan Tim Bradley and Allison Hall Josh & Lori Heil Chris & Genevieve Decker Maru & Sunyoung Kim Timo Röver Danny Redmon Christoph Nachtigäller David Henkel Kenneth & Ruth Stoner Mrs. Whittemore Steve & Janet Serbus Simeon Platte Dennis Cooley Lynn & Judy Huerter Greta Elsbernd John & Isla Andrick April Serbus Karlene Gayler Craig Van Blaricum Linda Parker Matthew & Lindsey Deaver