This summer, a member of the Delta Alpha chapter of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity at Virginia Tech is cycling across America to raise awareness for people with disabilities.

The Journey of Hope is an annual event in which fraternity members from Pi Kappa Phi chapters across the country cycle thousands of miles across more than 30 states. Nationally, through their non-profit organization "Push America," members of Pi Kappa Phi raise over half a million dollars each year to provide grants that support those with disabilities.

Marc Saint Raymond, a senior in mechanical engineering and economics from Sterling, Va., began his journey on the Trans-America Route in Seattle, Wash. on June 7. Taking the North/South Route, a second group of cyclists departed from San Francisco, Ca. on June 10. Both teams will complete the ride together in Washington, D.C. on August 11. Along with his teammates from the Trans-America Route, Saint Raymond will ride into Blacksburg on Sunday, August 5, passing through the Virginia Tech campus on the final leg of the journey.

Saint Raymond raised over $5,500 in order to participate in the cross-country ride. All participants embark on a grueling and rewarding mission that will lead them to cycle an average of 75 miles each day through all varieties and extremes of weather and terrain. Their journey does not end there, however. The participants will also be involved in activities and events across the country, supporting people with disabilities and promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance.

"My involvement with Pi Kappa Phi and Push America has been one of the best decisions I have ever made," Saint Raymond said. "These organizations draw some of the finest and most motivated young men in the country, and I am proud to call them my brothers. I have learned how to interact within a tight-knit community of individuals, and more importantly how to be a leader among them."

The mission of Push America is Building leaders of tomorrow by serving people with disabilities today." Members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity gain hands-on experience working with all types of people and seek to enhance the lives of those with disabilities. The young men on this trip are gaining experiences that will last a lifetime, and along the way the cyclists are chronicling their journey with daily entries posted on the Pi Kappa Phi "Push America" website.

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