The TJP and JRT Memorial Campaigns are a great way to get involved with Push America. They were created in the true spirit of Bruce Rogers, the inaugural Journey of Hope team and Push America. They are about taking on a challenge that pushes yourself beyond your personal limits and fundraising on behalf of Pi Kappa Phi and people with disabilities.

Participating in an event is easy. All you have to do is pick a race to participate in. We have participants who are competing in everything from a 10K to a full Ironman Triathlon. While you are training, you also commit to fund raising on behalf of Todd or Jason's memorial fund.

Brett Erickson, Todd's teammate in 2000 had this to say about Todd and why he chose to get involved.

When I think of Todd, I think of a man of strong character and honor. I think of his love for challenges both on and off the bicycle, and of his desire to be a part of a mission bigger than himself. Todd wasn't the type of person who led others with daily inspirational speeches, but when he did speak, there wasn't a person on our team who wasn't all ears.

Todd also said that he wanted to use the JOH summer as a chance not just to learn more about people with disabilities and the gifts they offer those around them, but also about himself as a man. This is another philosophy I've tried to emulate – learning more about myself through everything I involve myself with.

Todd had a tremendous amount of pride in our team and its mission, and I hope to duplicate that in 2006 as we collectively strive to raise as much money and awareness for Push America, using Todd's beliefs and sacrifices as vehicles to do so.

As was the case on the bike for 4000 miles six summers ago, the athletic event I will participate in will challenge me physically and mentally. But after achieving my personal goals, and more importantly being a part of such a widespread fundraising effort that will, I have no doubts that a million dollars or not, the wide-ranging influence we'll have on the different communities we're all a part of will be greater than a monetary value can measure. Just like Todd.

The memorial campaigns are a great way to give back to Push America while honoring two of Push America finest Pi Alphas. Getting involved is easy and we will give you all the tools needed to meet your fundraising goals, including online fundraising!

The proceeds from this program will benefit the Todd Porterfield or Jason Tirado Memorial funds based on your preference. These funds currently fund a grant of no less than $1,500 to an organization that is voted upon by the South and North teams respectively. The vision for these grants is to have them fund all of the grants awarded by all three Journey of Hope teams.

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