Journey of Hope

More than 100 men from across the country would take to the road in this cross-country journey each year to challenge and inspire, also to rally support and celebration for all humankind's abilities. With the start of two routes on the West Coast, teams will spend the summer crossing the country over a combined 8,000 miles for an arrival at the Capitol Lawn in Washington, D.C., to mark the conclusion of a life-altering event. So, the team stops to spread a message of disability awareness through local media, dropping in at partner organizations, delivering joy to friends from the disability community.

The Mission

For many people with disabilities, isolation can have a substantial impact on one’s sense of self and well-being. After riding about 75 miles each day, our teams are into dancing, playing games, and leading campfire songs in a friendship visit with the local group supporting people with disabilities. In most cases, the arrival of our team is the arrival of the holiday that so many people look forward to with many of our partner organizations. The project is unique in that it has attracted unprecedented attention across markets in this county. This platform would enable the spread of awareness; hence, with every place we are going to, the partner organizations are visible to audiences way bigger than they can do themselves. Dozens of organizations provide our teams with additional support through grants each year.

The Journey

Few are able to tell, and even fewer have completed the feat of traveling coast-to-coast, let alone on a set of two thin wheels—less still for a cause much more important than oneself. This trip will definitely provide me with many challenges that will test my strength, endurance, and will, but it will also provide an opportunity to be seen with some of the most amazing landmarks that this country has to offer.

Each route offers its own adventure: from conquering extremes like the deserts of the southwest or elevations of Kirkwood or Loveland Pass to visiting national landmarks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, all these are worth exploring from the middle of nowhere to the biggest cities in the nation. Each has its own geography and culture, but our purpose is to bring forth an equal experience from every teammate and reach our mission to as many hands as possible.

The Destination

Each year a group of highly dedicated Pi Kapps make a commitment to challenge themselves to accomplish more than they ever have, step into the unknown and take part in the best summer of their lives. To be a part of this experience means to be a different person than you were before.

Everyone who completes Journey of Hope is welcomed into the Pi Alpha Society. This exclusive fraternity within the fraternity is an incredible network of more than 2,500 servant leaders still making an impact in the world today. From entrepreneurs and CEOs to executives at Fortune 500 companies, Pi Alphas are set apart from the societal norm due to their perseverance and commitment to servant leadership. They are selfless individuals that put others before themselves. They continue their dedication to our mission and know how to make the most of every opportunity in life.