Today was a really good break for the cyclists after a long 120 mile ride. Guys got frustrated at all the traffic towards the end of the route getting closer to Christ United Methodist Church, tensions were rising because of how long they were on the road together but the reason we are all together and doing Journey of Hope kept everyone on the right path. We got to sleep in till 8 this morning, which was glorious. The church bought us croissants and bagels for breakfast and it was nice little change from the normal power breakfast. After that we had time to do some errands or laundry or bike shop runs. Next we had lunch with a young boy named travis who was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis, which is a condition in which tumors grove in the nervous system. Travis has a very unfortunate case of tumors on most of the left side of his body with a large concentration in his left leg which causes a whole lot of other issues that he has to deal with, but he is a very strong and motivating person. a smile was always on his face and a laugh in his voice.
After meeting Travis and his Mom, Dad, and Brother, we all travel together to Shriners Childrens hospital where we got a tour of the facilities and a full explanation of the organization. I thought the extra interesting part was its roots in the free masons. It was amazing for me to have new knowledge and it was really comforting knowing that there are organizations like Shriners in this world that offer free healthcare to patients, it gives me so much hope and restores my faith in humanity.
For dinner we had really great BBQ with a 5 time Pi Alpha, he knew the drill so it was very relaxed and he offered wise words for us to marinate on as we go through the trip similar to other Pi Alphas we have met.. I can’t wait to see what the next day has in store, and I ever so thankful to be a part of this journey.
Aaron Whitehead
Crew