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