Pedal for Purpose: Support Stokowscy Orphanage

Hey friends,

I'm riding a bicycle 4,200 miles across the United States from my home in Snohomish, Washington to Bar Harbor, Maine. I depart Snohomish on July 8th with a goal of arriving to Maine by September 5th.

While I'm on this crazy adventure I'm pedaling for a purpose to raise $52,000 to support a small family orphanage (Stokowscy) in my wife Daria's hometown of Sokolow Podlaski, Poland.

Stokowscy is an orphanage like no other. They care for children with special needs. As there are many orphanages with children who are hoping to be adopted, the ones with autism and special needs have less chance. And that’s what family Stokowscy decided to support. Their orphanage helps rehabilitate children with special needs, improve their motor and communication skills, so they can have a better chance for adoption and more independent life as they grow up. Since the beginning of the organization they have helped over 30 children to find loving families.

Caring for children with disabilities is constant hard work. We asked what is the biggest obstacle they face daily and they said transportation. Safely transporting the children to rehabilitation centers and other lessons is an ongoing issue because they don’t have a vehicle big enough to fit all the children. They have been saving to buy a bigger van but prioritizing the children's health and expensive rehabilitation sessions comes first. Some of the sessions are in different cities, miles apart and having a larger, safe, and reliable vehicle to transport the children would be a huge help.

As I was getting ready for my cross-country ride having a safe and well equipped bicycle was my priority. That’s why it's Daria's and my mission to raise enough money to help the Stokowscy family buy a safe and reliable van so they can continue serve the children and make a difference in the world.

If it's within your means to support this cause I would like to challenge you to sponsor 10 cents a mile or $420 towards this awesome fundraiser. Any donation amount is appreciated.

Thank you for all your support and follow me on my journey on Instagram (@ewhettam) and my Garmin GPS device (

https://share.garmin.com/52weeksofawesome password: awesome)

#52weeksofawesome

With love, Daria & Eric