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