Understanding disabilities is to understand ones self first

Local boy rides across America to
help those who need BY CHUCK TUCK | JOURNAL REPORTER As a 2005 graduate of Lake Stevens High and a Pi Kapp member at the University of Washington Erik Farrar hopes to make a difference in the lives of many people this summer by participating in Push America, Journey of Hope.

Push America is in its thirtieth year as an organization helping people with disabilities improve their lives.

Established in 1977 as a non-profit organization by the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the mission of Push America is straightforward; build leaders for tomorrow by helping people with disabilities today.

Farrar’s involvement in Push America was almost immediate from the time he looked into joining a fraternity.

“I had wanted to do this for a couple of years, but I didn’t get to do so,” Farrar said.
Farrar will be taking part in a 4,000 mile bike trip across America in hopes of raising money and awareness for disabled people.

“I don’t have much experience with people with disabilities, but I’d like to be able to give back in some way,” he said.

Many may remember Farrar as an inaugural member and national champion at the Lake Stevens Rowing Club in 2005, silver medalist in 2004.

Already carrying a full-load of courses at school as a biochemistry major with a minor in mathematics, Farrar has somehow found a way to manage his day-to-day schedule and work in some ride time to prepare for his upcoming trek.

“Over the summer I did a ride from Portland to Seattle, and got kind of used to riding for three or four hours at a time. We call it the West Coast Push,” he said.

With personal costs already reaching the $2,000 mark, Farrar needs to reach his goal of $6,000 in donations before the June 11 departure date.

The cycling trek is not going to be an easy one nor will it be comfortable from the explanation that Farrar gave, but he stands to make a difference in the lives of many people.

“I’m excited,” Farrar said of the opportunity to ride, “Most of the time we’ll be staying in school gyms on the gym floors,” he added.

Anyone can do the ride, but part of the process for riders was to write an essay on why they wanted to participate in the Journey of Hope.

Donations can be made to help Farrar reach his goal by going to:
http://secure.pushamerica.org/erikfarrar.

Erik Farrar ‘s essay

Here is part of the essay which helped put Farrar
in a position of significant opportunity and
somewhat of a milestone in his young life:
Which of Push America's values (abilities, teamwork, empathy, integrity) resonate most with you, and why?

Of Push America's core values; I think "Abilities" stands almost as the foundation for the others, allowing for us to realize them. This value definitely resonates most with me for several reasons, and in
fact moves me the most.

It is through our abilities that we interact with the world and each other. Our abilities identify us and separate us from everyone else by revealing that which is unique in us, yet they also give us the power to come together in pursuit of common goals.

In myself, I am often amazed at some of the things I am and have been capable of. I have a notable history of personal achievements, both athletic and academic; I have dedication and love for my family, both actual and fraternal; and I know that I will continue to grow and evolve and further impact the lives of others.

Perhaps more importantly though, I am amazed at some of the things other people are able to do. Especially in reference to abilities as
a Push America value – to recognize someone's
abilities rather than their disabilities.

I find that people living with disabilities have the resilient capability to adapt and live life enjoyably, despite obstacles. I think it is in this way that I am most moved. And I think it is also in this way that some of those people have achieved even more than me.

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