In a little over two weeks, the first of us will leave for London, and our adventure will begin. We’ve come a long way from last fall when the most pressing issues was deciding which crummy pun should be incorporated into our team name. Now, most of our time is spent deciding how best to cram in endless attractions and cultural experiences across these strange countries with scary sound names that all end in “stan” (well that and my remedial stick shift lessons). It’s humbling to realize just how little we knew, and continue to know, about the richness of human history. We have learned an incredible amount about so many countries, climates, and cultures. Many of the countries we will go to are known for having both endless heritage sites and some of the most welcoming people; it’s a shame that we will not have the time to do each justice.
Exploring Eastern Europe and driving the Silk Road, however, are not the main reason for this trip. There are easier and cheaper ways to get to these countries that do not involve driving something called a “Skoda” with three other adults and minimal room for supplies. We chose the Mongol Rally because it is both an amazing opportunity to see these countries and allows us to raise money and awareness for an important charity: the Ramp Less Traveled.
As July approaches, we continue to be touched by your generosity. From the corporate sponsors (shout out to our friends at Rack Attack and their premier vehicle rack solutions as well as the Boka Group for their raffle contribution!), to your donations, to the shares on Facebook, it has meant a lot to see just how far we have spread Jay’s story. We really appreciate it.
A few weeks ago, we held a fundraiser at the Sedgwick Stop (a neighborhood bar here in Old Town in Chicago). Over 50 of you came out to support the cause, which allowed us to raise over 1,000 dollars through both door sales and the 50/50 raffle. During the event, I had the opportunity to speak a little more about Jay and the Ramp Less Traveled. I wanted to take the time to expand upon those thoughts.
Jay and I became close as upperclassmen in high school when we finally had a few classes together. We enjoyed the same quintessential Indianapolis activities such as Race Day or boating on Geist, and we both cared about school, global politics, etc. He quickly became one of my best friends. Jay even joined my family in Hawaii the summer after graduation, only a handful of weeks before his accident.
After the accident, Jay spent a significant amount of time first in the hospital, then a local rehab facility, and finally a longer-term rehab stent in Atlanta. I was fortunate to be able to visit my friend every step of the way. I was also fortunate enough to be able to contribute to the fundraising for Jay’s expensive rehab. Due to some incredible people who mobilized overnight, Jay’s family and friends were able to raise a substantial amount of money to help support the Jay. From donating the proceeds of our neon high school tailgate shirts, to selling bracelets at an O.A.R. concert (we even got the band to give him a shout out), it was amazing to see the effort and love everyone poured out. Our initial fundraising efforts were eventually capped with a large golf outing, which we were able to quickly pull together through the collaboration of the Joseph Maley Foundation. Between the support of the community and the incredible support given by Duke University, Jay made it through some costly hurdles and succeeded at both Duke and at Oxford.
At the end of the day, I have no idea how large or small of a dent our initial efforts made in any financial costs related to the accident. Jay and I both do know, however, that some survivors do not get anywhere near the support Jay received. It’s why he created the Ramp Less Traveled. It’s why we are honored to be driving half way across the world for it. It’s why we are thrilled for your continued support. We sincerely thank you.
Joe Corsaro and Fleetwood.Yak (Michael Conry, Dan Morizio, and Tanner Speltz)
To donate to Ramp Less Traveled, please find our donation page at https://www.gofundme.com/fleetwood-yak-and-the-ramp-less-traveled