2021 Journey of Hope

On May 19th when Linda and I were flying to Salt Lake City to begin the Journey of Hope, I wrote a note to myself wondering what lay ahead for the next six weeks.

Well, here I am on the eve of the conclusion of my 15,000 mile Journey of Hope. I’ve checked off all the boxes of the milestones I originally set out to achieve. At least I thought I had…

Another milestone hit today: 48 states visited, and on schedule! 198 more miles to hit the commemorative 15,000 mark, and about 565 to the endpoint.

Leaving Barstow, CA, my first scheduled meet up was about 250 miles away in Paso Robles, CA.

I can now “check the box” for visits to towns named Hope, and also admit a blunder along the way.

It’s amazing what you can see and learn, on a single day, as part of a 40-day journey up, down, and across the country.

In my mind, today’s component of The Journey of Hope has to be marked as Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

This afternoon I had the opportunity to meet up with Tina Andera and Mindy Cooper (Warriors) at the Welcome Center in Cheyenne, WY.

“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!” I had been waiting to say that through the first 41 states I visited. Now that I’m in NE., it’s officially stated!

A Tale of Two Cities: It’s interesting to see how different towns try to stay relevant and welcoming, especially when they are off an interstate highway.

Today, I made my way through two more towns named Hope; one in OH., and one in IN. I came to the realization that I’ve been in five small towns named Hope over the past four Sunday’s.

As I get into the last 5,000 miles of my Journey of Hope, I’m excited to see what lies ahead. This includes visits with warriors, caregivers, doctors, spontaneous encounters with the “unknowing”, and continuing to experience the vastness of our country.

Happy, Happy Valley! This is my second visit to Happy Valley in the past four weeks. The difference is the first time was in OR., and tonight I’m in PA; about 2,670 miles away.

Headed east from Weston, WV, to Sparta, NJ, for a night of rest before starting the final 1/3 of my journey Friday afternoon. It was another beautiful day traveling through WV, western MD, PA, and back into NJ.

Have you ever thought about what the word obscure means? One definition is that it’s a state of being unknown, inconspicuous, or unimportant.

“Pushing a rock, pushing a rock”. As part of my journey I’m leaving a trail of Hope rocks that Linda painted across the country; in each of the 48 states, and in towns named Hope.

Tonight, I’d like to share two stories that continue to make my Journey of Hope one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

Today was yet another eventful day on the Journey that went from A to Z; both literally and figuratively.

My scheduled visit today, was at the home of Heidi Garringer Rhea (warrior) in Mandeville, LA.

Anyone know where the tallest cast iron statue in the U.S. is located, and what its’ name is? As I approached my first meeting location of the day, in Birmingham, AL, I observed a significant statue on a pedestal on a high point in the city.

Have you ever had one of those days when you realize how finely tuned our lives are? That is until a few minor quirks get in the way. Today was one of those days for me.

As it’s the 15th anniversary of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, many people now know that I’ve incorporated the number 15 into my journey in a variety of ways.

Another day of amazing moments, and a great way to mark the halfway point on the Journey, at least for # of states visited.

In driving terms, today’s schedule was a short one, as I was in the car for less than two hours.

To date, the Journey of Hope has been memorable in many ways that will be with me forever. Today, however, was a milestone event that rises to the top.

After a two-minute visit to the beach for a quick photo of the Atlantic Ocean, I left Ogunquit, ME @ 6:30 a.m., and headed two hours south to Holliston, MA, and the home of Kim Balkus.

Today was to be a day of rest, including a walk on the beach, here in Maine. Hah! Never happened.

I don’t want to jinx myself, however, the Journey just keeps getting more meaningful to me by the day! Now I’m starting to think how can it be possible that I only have 9,375 miles to go?!

Remember the movie Cast Away starring Tom Hanks and his companion Wilson, the soccer ball? Well, I had one of those episodes today, when Mike O’Langio my Mutations Matter photo bud seemed to have disappeared.

What an inspiring day! My first stop this morning was in Akron, OH, where I was met by a “sea of green” at the home of Lisa (warrior and mentor) and David Craine.

I have to admit, this was a long day. As I planned the journey, I knew that was going to be the case, however, I didn’t plan on the hotel story at the end of the day.

Wow, another eventful day! The day started with me dropping Linda off at O’Hare Airport for her journey home to NJ, so as to be with our grandson, Austin, this week for “bus duty”.

It was a beautiful, cool, cloudless morning when Linda and I departed Rochester, MN, today. Our first official stop was about 275 miles away, fairly close to Milwaukee.

Departing from Watertown, SD, we headed in a southeasterly direction to Hope, MN., over a variety of roads, including interstates, two-lane state and county roads, plus an added bonus of dirt! It’s amazing what supposed shortcuts GPS will produce at times!

As we departed Dickinson, ND, this morning, we were greeted with a windy 35°, and snow showers! Quite a difference for those in New England talking about how hot it is at 90°. Driving east on I-94 our first stop was to see Salem Sue, the world’s largest Holstein cow!

We started our A.M. drive in Livingston, MT, and proceeded to Billings, MT. to pick up Melinda Bacchini, a CC Warrior who is also on the staff of the foundation. Melinda is Director of Patient Advocacy and an 11½ year survivor.

We saw a lot of gorgeous scenery today, including Sandpoint and Hope, ID, as well as East Hope, and believe it or not, an area known as Beyond Hope! The beauty continued into MT. with diverse scenery and weather conditions along MT Route 200 and I-90 eastbound before the pouring rain started in Anaconda, MT.

This morning, Linda and I had the opportunity for a meet-up outside the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. Our mission was to thank doctors who are improving the lives and finding a cure, for cholangiocarcinoma patients, now and in the future.

This morning Linda and I had the opportunity to meet in the Vancouver, WA area, with one of my ex-colleagues, his wife, and daughter, Sara. Two years ago, Sara was a recipient of the Sarah Fleischer Bennett memorial scholarship.

Day three of the JoH was another day full of fulfilling visits, beautiful scenery and variations in weather, including rain, heavy fog on the curvy roads of the Cascades, then sunshine.

Day two of our journey had Linda and I heading west from Twin Falls to Boise, ID for a scheduled meet up with Cindy Thomas of the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation staff, and Steven Banks, a local cholangiocarcinoma warrior.

After a great send off from Ken Garff Honda, Orem, UT, Linda and I began our 15,000 mile journey. With the foundation celebrating its’ 15th anniversary, our first duty was to commence the drive on I-15 northbound.

May 20th was an exhilarating day for CCF. Friends, family, and other locals gathered together with signs and balloons as Dave Fleischer left on his 15,000 mile Journey of Hope in honor of their daughter Sarah.