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 On Monday, Laura and Matthew Chico stopped in St. Louis as part of their 3,973 mile bike/run from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide and to raise awareness and funds for the American Red Cross’ Measles Initiative.
Over the next three months, the couple will travel 40 miles a day, wear out 12 pairs of shoes and travel through 10 states as they raise thousands of dollars to help support the people of Africa.
The Chico’s stop in St. Louis marked mile number 1,273 of their five-month journey. By the time they reach the Golden Gate Bridge, they hope to have raised $20,000 for the Africa Great Lakes Initiative to support he Rwandan Friends Peace House, a grassroots Quaker organization based in Kigali, Rwanda. Thus far they have raised $5,000.
While their trek across the United States is certainly monumental, it is only the first leg. In December they will move to Rwanda, where Laura has accepted a position with Rwandan Friends.
“A lot of people in this country don’t know what actually happened in Rwanda. It was devastating,” Laura said. “I am drawn to this because of how inspiring and courageous the people are in terms of building bridges to make sure this will never happen again.”
Matt Chico, currently Director of the Americas Region for the American Red Cross, called their “Miles for Measles” campaign “the most important international public health initiative in the history of the Red Cross.”
While measles rarely proves deadly in the United States, it kills approximately 1 million children in Africa each year. Through the Measles Initiative, the American Red Cross has vaccinated 120 million children over the last three years.
Though vaccines cost just $1, many children continue to contract the preventable disease. “It’s an outrage,” Matt said. “No one here dies of it. It’s just plain and simple unequal distribution of resources.”
As a fundraiser for these important causes, the bike/run caters to the Chico’s adventurous spirits. Laura jokingly said of her husband, “Matt has always been a little bit crazy this way. It was a natural fit for him.”
Of herself, she said, “On the edge of our comfort zone is where I feel most alive. This particular journey is perfect for us.”
To support the Chico’s efforts, call 1.800.435.7669, visit your local Red Cross chapter, or see www.crosstheusa.org or www.measlesinitiative.org.
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