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Cyclists raise funds for disabilities groups
Trevor Brink of the TransAmerica cycling team from Seattle receives a piece of chicken from Famous Dave's employee Amber Dotson as the cyclists visit the Mountain State Center for Independent Living as part of a nine-week, 4,000-mile cycling event across the country to raise funds and awareness for people with disabilities on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009, in Huntington.
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HUNTINGTON -- More than two dozen cyclists from 20 colleges across the United States rode into Huntington on Wednesday as part of a 4,000-mile mission to change people's perceptions of two different groups.
Robby Knelson, 22, of Durham, N.C., said he and fellow cyclists want to change perceptions about fraternities as well as about people with disabilities. On Wednesday evening, the group had dinner and socialized with consumers at the Mountain State Centers for Independent Living in Huntington.
"It's been interesting just to learn about different people's lives. Oftentimes in spite of their disabilities they lead very successful and fulfilling lives in the community," Knelson said.
The group's visit is part of a nine-week cycling event from Seattle, Wash., to Washington, D.C., to raise funds for people with disabilities. The event is part of the Journey of Hope -- a program of Push America, the national philanthropy of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity.
Cathy Hutchinson, community resource advocate at Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, said a group of cyclists comes to the area every year.
"It's incredible that these boys give up their whole summers, not to mention to have to raise money," she said.
Hutchinson said the organization receives a $750 grant from the group, and the money allows them to buy equipment they normally wouldn't be able to buy. The organization serves more than 400 West Virginians every year, providing them with wheelchair ramps, hearing aids and many other items. More than 200 additional people are on waiting lists for such supplies, Hutchinson said.
Wednesday's event wasn't just about money, though. The group's stop in Huntington was also a chance for the fraternity brothers to meet the people they hoped to help.
"It's been an incredible summer meeting people," said Brett Sherfy, 21, of Sterling, Va.
Some days are harder than others, though. Sherfy recalled their trip into Wyoming when the group had to make up for lost time by putting the bikes away and piling into vehicles.
"We were riding into Cheyenne. The day before was the longest day," he said. "Everyone was really disheartened."
When they arrived to visit people in Cheyenne, the cyclists' spirits immediately lifted, he said. He remembers in particular meeting two people with Down's syndrome who were full of life and danced for the group.
On Thursday, the group got the chance to meet local people.
Noah Skeens, 26, of Huntington, has been attending classes through the Mountain State Centers for Independent Living since 2006. He looks forward to when the group comes to town.
"It's cool just to get to meet these guys because they're crossing the country to tell people about people with disabilities," Skeens said. "The more they spread awareness, the more it helps people understand that people with disabilities are able to do the same things as everyone else."
