Imagine spending your summer break riding a bicycle along a4,000-mile stretch of road from San Francisco to Charleston, S.C.,through blistering heat and over steep mountain passes.
For one University of Memphis student, that's what this summerholds.
"This is something I've wanted to do for a long time," saidsenior Craig White. "Since I'm graduating in May, it's really mylast chance."
Beginning June 12, White will be among 70 riders who plan topush off from San Francisco on the Journey of Hope. The event isthe signature fundraiser for Push America, a philanthropy startedby White's fraternity, Pi Kappa Phi.
Push America raises funds and awareness for organizations thataid people with disabilities. Almost half of Push America'scontributions come from the Journey of Hope.
The journey will actually be done by two teams -- one travelinga northern route and the other a southern route -- in order toreach more people. In 2003, the event raised over $800,000 throughfundraising, sponsorships and other donations. The riders accountedfor $405,000 of that total because each must raise a minimum of$5,000 in sponsorships in order to participate. So far, White hasraised about $3,000.
The riders do more than raise money, however. During the trip,the teams will spend a considerable amount of time working withdisabled people.
Pat Newport, a U of M sophomore political science major and PiKappa Phi member, rode in the Journey of Hope last summer.According to Newport, the interaction between the riders and thechildren is the most important aspect of the trip.
"The visits mean the world to the people we served," Newportsaid. "At one stop, a child's mother begged us to stay longerbecause her son looked forward to us coming more than his ownbirthday."
More than most, White can relate to the excitement Newportdescribes. He has spent a lot of time working with children withdisabilities.
White spent three summers in Texas working at Camp for All, acamp for children with special needs. Every week, a different needgroup was represented, ranging from children with cancer to kidswith mental disabilities.
"The main reason I got started (in volunteering) was because mymom got cancer," White said. "I couldn't imagine a 13-year-old kidhaving to go through something like that, so I wanted to help."
Newport said the trip is very demanding. "It took me about threeweeks before I got used to riding every day."
The Journey of Hope will average 75 miles a day and cross alltypes of terrain. To prepare, White has been riding 150-200 miles aweek since January.
"I'm trying to build up my endurance so I will peak right beforethe trip."
In the evenings, the riders will spend time with people fromlocal organizations. In the smaller towns, they'll sleep in townhalls or on high school gym floors. They eat meals prepared bylocal clubs or private citizens. In the more populous regions, theriders will interact with groups such as Special Olympics and playa part in community activities.
They'll also have an escort of vehicles following them withwater, food and spare bike parts, just to make sure everyone getsthrough the trip.
"I won't even have to carry my own bag," White said.
Bag or not, White is ready to get started.
"Part of it will be tough, but when you're with the kids, all ofthe hard work will pay off. I'm sure I'll be tired, but this iswhat it's all about," White said. "I'm really looking forward tothe challenge."
For more information about Push America or to makecontributions, contact Craig White at cwhite2@memphis.edu.
