This summer, some Iowa State fraternity members will be going the distance for people with disabilities.

Beginning June 1, Pi Kappa Phi members from across the country will cycle 4,200 miles for Journey of Hope, a cross-country trip starting in San Francisco and ending in Washington, D.C.

The event is the largest fund-raising campaign for the fraternity’s national outreach program, PUSH America.

The campaign raises about $350,000 annually for people with all types of disabilities.

Kevin Sutherland, member of Pi Kappa Phi and senior in ceramic engineering, said participating in Journey of Hope is a great experience.

“People with disabilities seem so excited about little things,” Sutherland said. “It is fun to see people just happy about life.”

Although this year is the first time Sutherland will have participated in Journey of Hope, he was involved in a smaller, two-week version called Gear Up Florida last year.

The Journey of Hope consists of a northern and southern route, each lasting about 63 days.

Sutherland said he will be riding 3,500 miles in the northern route, which will run through the Midwest, including his hometown of Cedar Rapids.

A third route, the Anniversary Ride, has been added to celebrate the trip’s 10th anniversary and to honor Bruce Rogers, founder of Journey of Hope.

“The northern route will have more programs and interaction with the people we ride for,” Sutherland said. “That is what makes this ride so great.”

Members of ISU’s chapter of Pi Kappa Phi also hold fundraisers, volunteer at Woodward Mental State Hospital and School in Granger and organize several empathy awareness events.

“Through empathy events and volunteer work, we gain a lot of experience working with people with disabilities,” Sutherland said. “That helps make this trip even more interesting.”