Bicylist pedals across country to help Shriners Hospitals for Children
By Jason Hickman - Reporter
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| Willard White is riding his bike across the U.S. to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Photo by Jason Hickman |
After seeing firsthand the impact the Shriners Hospitals for Children can make in a youngster’s life, a Utah man has taken to the road to help pay them back.
Willard White, 46, Morgan, Utah, strolled through Oregon July 19 on a trip to cross the country on two wheels in order to raise money for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
It all stems from the help the hospitals have given his family and his three adopted daughters, one of whom spent five months in the hospital, including eight weeks in intensive care.
“They have spent over a million dollars just on my family, and they do it for free,” said White. “This is a way to give back.”
The high school teacher started his trek in Coos Bay, Oregon, on May 28, and he plans on finishing up his trip in Coney Island, New York, on Aug. 11.
The trip is planned out down to the last detail, with White traveling 60-70 miles a day, and his wife and two of this three daughters driving to meet him at the end of each leg of the trip.
Each night the family either finds a place to camp out, or they are helped by local churches that find the group a place to stay and a hot meal to eat.
“It gives you hope in humanity because people have been so great,” said White. “They are so willing to help out. People let us stay in their homes, feed us all kinds of good food. We have met a lot of really nice people along the way.”
Along the way he has had to deal with rains and hail out West, and some very hot and humid weather here in the Midwest.
“The weather is always a big concern,” said White. “One day when I was in Des Moines the heat index was 118. I was just wiped out that day.”
Another interesting part of his journey has been the many animals he has encountered, some friendly and some not.
“I was almost attacked by a badger,” said White. “I had antelope running right next to me, and I also saw some wild horses. Seeing all the animals has been kind of neat.”
To track his progress, read his blogs, or to donate to the cause, visit his website at www.inspirationalroad.com.
