Push America - Journey of Hope in Huntington, WV

On August 3, 2005, the Push America's Trans America Journey of Hope Bicyclists made it to Huntington. After leaving Morehead, KY in the morning, the cyclists were met at City Hall by Mayor David Fellinton and representatives from MTSTCIL.

Push America Day proclamation

The Mayor read a proclamation, designating August 3rd as Push America Day in Huntington, WV. The Mayor presented the proclamation to Nick Cloud, the program coordinator for the trip.

After talking to the media at city hall, the cyclists were escorted over to the MTSTCIL Huntington offices for a tour. The Center was also the last mail drop for the guys on the trip, who had traveled approximately 3,500 miles by the time they reached Huntington. They were excited to get all the mail and packages of goodies from family and friends at home.

Dinner in Ritter Park

Later in the evening, MTSTCIL hosted dinner for the group at Ritter Park. They feasted on BBQ ribs and chicken from Vic's Ivy Cuisine. One of the cyclists said he thought the ribs were awesome and the cole slaw was the best slaw they had eaten on the trip!

After a brief presentation about Push America's Journey of Hope, all the cyclists introduced themselves, telling where they were from and what college or university they attended. MTSTCIL staff, consumers and board members present then introduced themselves.

The Cyclists

There are 16 cyclists on the Trans America Journey of Hope, as well as four crew members. The crew members drive the vehicles and handle all the logistics for stopping points, food, water, and shelter for the cyclists. One crew member, Joey Smith, who rode as a cyclist two years ago, is a West Virginia native, hailing from St. Albans, right outside Charleston.

There are three Journey of Hope teams all bicycling across America to raise awareness and money for people with disabilities. The team that arrived in Huntington began their 71 day, 4000 mile journey in Florence, Oregon. The other two teams started in San Francisco, California. All three teams, a total of 81 men, will meet in Washington, DC on August 13, 2005.

Each cyclist must raise a minimum of $5,000 prior to becoming part of the Journey of Hope team. They are selected for their leadership ability, commitment to service and community involvement. Push America hopes to raise over $500,000. again this year to help them achieve their mission of recognizing a person's abilities through teamwork, empathy, and integrity.

Marshall University to help build ramps

Throughout the entire visit in Huntington, members of the Marshall University chapter of the PI KAPPA PHI fraternity were also present. MTSTCIL staff spoke to them regarding grants available from PUSH America so the local chapter could help MTSTCIL build ramps for their Community Living Services Program. They seemed very interested in taking on the ramp project when Marshall University resumed its fall semester.

Quotes from some of the 2005 team members:

Matthew Steiger, Miami University, Ohio - 2005 South Team Member:

I am a strong believer that time is far more valuable than money and the chance to spend time working with the people we are benefiting will be an incredible experience for me, and I hope for them as well

Bryan Eichler, University of North Florida - 2005 North Team Member:

The Journey is more than just a ride across the country; it is a chance to touch the lives of individuals and get to know and understand people with disabilities

Rob Raesemann, University of North Florida - 2005 Trans America Team Member:

Everyone on this team has a family member or friend who has a disability and can''t do what we''re doing". "When I''m having a hard time on the road, all I need to do is think about that. It gives me the motivation to keep on going.

More about Push

For more information on the Journey of Hope 2005 and Push America, please visit them at: www.pushamerica.org.