In an inspiring act of gratitude and resilience, former DisposeRx employee Jeff Bekos has embarked on an incredible bike ride from the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) in Los Angeles across America to the original RMHC in Philadelphia. Covering over 4,600 miles, this journey is not just a physical challenge for Jeff but a heartfelt thank you to RMHC. Bekos, whose daughter underwent treatment for a rare and serious illness, is dedicating this ride to honor the support his family received from RMHC during those trying times.
A Father's Journey of Gratitude
During his daughter's treatment, Jeff and his family stayed by her side–a feat not possible without the help of RMHC. Jeff would often spend grueling 14-hour days at the hospital and after the long days, the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House provided Jeff with hot meals, support services, and many simple comforts of home. Most importantly, RMHC provided Jeff the ability to focus on helping his daughter heal. This bike ride is Bekos' way of giving back to the organization that stood by his family during their most difficult days.
Jeff Bekos knows firsthand the immense emotional and logistical challenges that come with a child’s serious illness. In 2013, his daughter Hailey was an energetic high school cheerleader when suddenly, she developed a lack of muscular control and began having seizures. Overnight, Hailey was unable to walk or talk and entered a coma. She was diagnosed with a rare disease requiring a long hospital stay at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, far from the Bekos family home in Pennsylvania.
Pedaling Across the Nation
Starting from the RMHC in Los Angeles, Bekos will visit about 25 RMHC across the nation. Beginning in July, Jeff will start pedaling at the RMHC of Orange County, head through the desert to the RMHC of Las Vegas, and climb the Rockies to the RMHC in Salt Lake City, Denver, and others. Jeff then comes back down the mountains to the rolling plains of the Midwest, where he will visit RMHCs across Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Around mid-September, Jeff will be about half-way while he visits the RMHC in Chicago. For the final stretch, Jeff will make stops in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, until he reaches the eastern seaboard. By mid-October, Jeff hopes to arrive in Philadelphia, concluding his amazing journey. During his visits to the RMHC locations, he will engage with local communities, sharing his story and raising awareness about the vital work RMHC does.
Inspiring Acts of Kindness
The response to Bekos’ journey has been overwhelmingly positive. The Ronald McDonald Houses and their communities along his route have planned rallies to support him, offering cheers, donations, and writing him heartfelt messages of support. Bekos hopes his ride inspires others to support RMHC, whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the charity’s essential work. His journey demonstrates how one person’s gratitude can mobilize a wave of kindness and support.
Go, Jeff, go!
Jeff Bekos’ bike ride across the United States in gratitude for Ronald McDonald House Charities is a testament to the enduring power of community and the human spirit’s capacity for resilience. Through his journey, Bekos not only thanks RMHC for their support during his daughter’s treatment but also raises awareness about the invaluable work they do. His dedication to this cause serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of supporting families in need.
As Bekos pedals towards the Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, his journey symbolizes hope, healing, and the power of gratitude. His ride encourages us to support RMHC and ensure that no family faces the challenges of childhood illness alone. Through his remarkable journey, Bekos reminds us that together, we can create a brighter, more supportive future for all families in need.
About One Dad's Mission
One Dad’s Mission is the extraordinary journey of a father and a family whose unconditional love for their daughter, Hailey, propelled them through an unfathomable health crisis. It all began on July 5, 2013 at 8:15am, a day etched in their memories when Hailey, their vibrant daughter, suddenly stopped speaking. What followed was a tumultuous odyssey marked by numerous challenges and unforeseen twists, testing the resilience of the family to its limits.
Visit One Dad's Mission.
About Ronald McDonald House Charities
After recognizing the need to support the whole family when a child is seriously ill or injured, our first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, PA, USA, in 1974. That was the beginning of our role as a unique charity dedicated to caring for families with children who are ill or injured. Our programs and services address the essential needs of families around the world - all along their child’s healthcare journey - so they can focus on the health and well-being of their child. Visit Ronald McDonald House Charities.
