Michigan State (Alpha Theta) Biochemistry and molecular biology junior and Pi Kappa Phi Vice President Karl Ochs is taking the Journey of Hope to support people with disabilities throughout the nation.
The Journey of Hope cycling fundraiser was designed for The Ability Experience, an organization owned and operated by Pi Kappa Phi which aims to spread a message of acceptance and understanding toward people with disabilities.
Ochs said this organization was one of the main reasons he joined Pi Kappa Phi as a freshman.
Last year was Ochs’s first big cycling adventure, traveling from Miami to Tallahassee in Gear Up Florida.
Overall his team raised $95,000 for people with disabilities.
This year, beginning on June 7, Ochs decided to step it up, cycling 4,000 miles instead of 900.
“I love challenging myself. It’s a good way to do that and help people while I’m at it,” Ochs said. “It’s a huge challenge upon myself to not only do it physically, but to raise the money and embark on a journey that’s over two month’s commitment.”
Along the way, the team of 30 cyclists will be stopping at group homes for people with disabilities.