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