Journey of Hope 2011 - North Route

Classes have ended for Spring Quarter here at RIT, which means students are going back home, starting new co-op's, classes, or just relaxing before their next year at RIT begins in September.
I, on the other hand, will not be staying here in Rochester, my hometown, but will be going across America in a summer long cross-country trip for Push America. Having fundraised for the entirety of Spring Quarter, it has come down to the last week before the big trip starts.
On May 30th, 2011, I will be heading to Seattle, Washington to start my training for the Journey of Hope, which will begin on June 8, 2011 heading out of San Francisco, California and end on August 13, 2011 in Washington DC.
I, with 6 other crew members, will be leading a group of 29 Cyclists across America, to help raise funds and awareness on behalf of people with disabilities.
After each day of cycling for miles, we will be participating in numerous activities, which include, but not limited to the following:

Community and Arrival Events – Proclamations declaring Push America Day, parades, wheelchair basketball games, bicycle safety seminars and pool parties are examples of the types of community events scheduled. These exciting events allow us to highlight the local efforts of the organizations that support people with disabilities.

Kids on the Block puppet shows – At many events, Kids on the Block puppet shows for children are performed. This show focuses on the abilities of people with disabilities and allows children to ask questions to the puppets that they might not have been comfortable asking otherwise.

Friendship Visits – From barbecues to fireside sing-a-longs, to dinners and dances, the team spends time enjoying the friendships made with the people for whom they are riding. Cycling 100 miles in one day is well worth it when you arrive into a city and there is a smiling face there to thank you!

Because of this large expedition, I will have a summer like no other, where I spend the entire summer volunteering my time to help support people with disabilities. As the mission statement of Push America says,

"Building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today."

If you would like to donate to the cause, you can do so by clicking HERE, and do it online through credit card.

Also, if you would like to keep track of the Journey of Hope 2011 - North, you can do so by going HERE.

Thanks and I will keep everyone updated with other sties where you can follow the trek.

Here is a video made by the JOH 2010-North team: