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.
Shaun Honeycutt Dennis Cooley Tim Baird Nintendo 64 Konrad Kerz André Lißner Jaymin D. Patel Laura Serbus Maru & Sunyoung Kim David Maulat Aaron & Kristin Huerter David Henkel Samantha Reinblatt Marilyn Bailey Tim Bradley and Allison Hall Margaret Bayer Matt Matheny Brent Paulger Jack Porter & Marian Hukle Jeremy and Stacey Kincaid Linda Parker Mrs. Whittemore Jean Serbus Bud & Beth Weiler David & Dan Dan Gaus Simeon Platte David Jacobson Family Larry & Pj Davis Lloyd & Dorothy Redmon Albert & Betty Kutzke Dan McNeill & Phoebe Tse Amanda & Amber Donaldson Rick & Cindy Slocum John Sheu Nick Guinan Jan Andrick Karlene Gayler Craig Van Blaricum Paul Epp Malte & Mareike Jens Humrich Christoph Nachtigäller Steve & Janet Serbus Lindsay Larson Dean & Andi Burger Nico & Corinna Josh & Lori Heil April Serbus Frank Weilandt Elmar Brosinsky Galen & Karen Van Blaricum Stephan Hähne Chris & Genevieve Decker Danny Redmon Timo Röver Greta Elsbernd John & Isla Andrick Lynn & Judy Huerter Karen & David Bireta Rich & Jane Bireta Logan Smith Remon Ginsburg Kenneth & Ruth Stoner VeliAd Andy Wolf & Stacie Adams Randy & Patty Heil Eric Caughey Zandra Myrick Edward & Bonnie Redmon Matthew & Lindsey Deaver