Catasauqua, Penn. resident Ben Ferenchak returns home to his family this weekend after riding for three weeks and nearly 1,500 miles by bicycle to raise funds and awareness for Autism Speaks. Since June 20, “Uncle Ben's Bike Ride” has raised nearly $6,000 for Autism Speaks, with donations still coming in. Ferenchak rode in honor of his 16-year-old nephew with autism, Bradley Jacksits, and in memory of his niece, Bradley's older sister Jennifer, who was tragically killed in an automobile accident on January 6, 2008. Throughout the trip, Ferenchak displayed a purple ribbon (Jennifer's favorite color) and an Autism Speaks puzzle piece lapel pin on the back of his bike.
Ben Ferenchak at the intersection of US Bike Route 1 and US Bike Route 76 in Va.
Ferenchak's son, Nick, began the ride with his father but was forced to return home after suffering a knee injury in Richmond, Va., the fifth stop on the trip. Ben Ferenchak continued the ride alone, accompanied by family members taking shifts to follow him in a truck, donated by Service Electric Cable TV, to monitor his safety and carry his supplies. Marriott Hotels also generously provided air-conditioned rooms to allow him to rest in comfort at night. Along his journey, Ferenchak drew inspiration from Jennifer and her dedication to Bradley. Jennifer, an 18-year-old college freshman and student athlete, was known in the Lehigh Valley for her commitment to community service and autism awareness. As a child, Jennifer would sell birdhouses to her family and friends to raise money for autism research.
Ben Ferenchak's grueling and inspirational solo trek attracted the attention of numerous local and national media outlets. His wife, Holly, kept up a steady letter-writing and e-mail campaign in support of their online tribute,
http://events.autismspeaks.org/tributes/unclebensbikeride.
Ferenchak, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease just two weeks before embarking on the ride, hopes that his efforts will call attention to the critical need for autism research.
In the seven difficult months since Jennifer's untimely passing, the Jacksits family has also continued Jennifer's mission to raise awareness and funds for Autism Speaks through their Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism team. Brad's Brigade, captained by Jennifer and Brad's aunt, Rita Millhouse, had 60 team members and raised more than $4,500 for the 2008 Lehigh Valley Walk. Additionally, the Jacksits family and Lehigh Valley Walk Chair Karen Barbarics were guests of honor at a charity baseball tournament sponsored by the Perkiomen Valley Twilight and Blue Mountain minor league baseball teams, which raised more than $3,000 for Autism Speaks through the Jennifer Jacksits Memorial Fund.
Jennifer's legacy lives on through “Uncle Ben's Bike Ride,” Brad's Brigade, the Jennifer Jacksits Memorial Fund, and the tattoo that now graces her cousin Bekky Greer's back. The tattoo is a quote from Chinese philosopher Lao Tsu that always made Jennifer think of her brother Brad: “Being deeply loved gives you strength. Loving deeply gives you courage. ”
Ben and Nick Ferenchak, before embarking on the Rock Creek Trail in Maryland.
Ben Ferenchak on his epic bike ride down the East Coast
Members of team Brad's Brigade from the Lehigh Valley Walk Now for Autism
Brad and Jennifer Jacksits, who inspired "Uncle Ben's Bike Ride"
