Pennsylvania Father Biking 6,000 Miles to Support Every Ronald McDonald House in the U.S.

Jeff Bekos, a father from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is embarking on a massive cross-country journey to bring national attention to the vital services provided by Ronald McDonald House Charities. Biking over 6,000 miles, Bekos aims to visit every single Ronald McDonald House location across the United States to raise awareness, encourage volunteerism, and generate funds for families with sick children.

The Journey: From Albuquerque to Iowa City and Beyond

The ambitious trek began in February in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This current ride is structured in stages, with the first leg of the journey scheduled to conclude in Iowa City this June. During this initial phase, Bekos plans to visit 34 additional Ronald McDonald House locations.

Recent milestones in his journey include stops at the Ronald McDonald House locations in Sacramento and Reno, Nevada. Although the first leg ends in June, the overall mission is a three-part journey designed to cover nearly 6,000 miles in total.

The Motivation: A Family’s Fight in 2013

The drive behind this grueling physical challenge is deeply personal. In 2013, Jeff and his wife, Liz Bekos, spent 254 days at their local Ronald McDonald House chapter while their daughter, Hailey, battled a rare and life-threatening disease. Though Hailey has since fully recovered, the experience left a lasting impact on the family.

Bekos describes the Ronald McDonald House as a community that provides the “love and support and energy” necessary for parents to keep fighting when their child is ill. Given that the organization provides a place for families to stay near hospitalized children for little to no cost, Bekos is dedicated to ensuring other families have access to the same support his family received.

One Dad’s Mission and Previous Efforts

To formalize his efforts, Bekos founded a charity called One Dad’s Mission. This organization focuses on promoting awareness of the support systems available through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

This is not Bekos’ first foray into charity cycling. In 2024, he completed his first cross-country bike ride, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization. His current journey builds upon that success, shifting the focus toward visiting every single chapter in the country to spread kindness to families experiencing tricky times.

Key Takeaways: Jeff Bekos’ Charity Ride

• Goal: Visit every Ronald McDonald House in the U.S. To raise money and awareness.
• Total Distance: Approximately 6,000 miles.
• Timeline: Started February in Albuquerque, NM; first leg ends June in Iowa City.
• Personal Connection: The Bekos family spent 254 days at a Ronald McDonald House in 2013.
• Organization: The ride is spearheaded by his charity, One Dad’s Mission.

The Role of Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities provide a critical safety net for families facing medical crises. By offering comfortable and affordable housing close to hospitals, the charity reduces the financial and emotional burden on parents, allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s recovery.

Bekos emphasizes that the project is “community driven,” and every dollar raised from his ride goes directly toward supporting these houses and the families they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Jeff Bekos start his ride?

Jeff Bekos began his 6,000-mile journey in February in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What is “One Dad’s Mission”?

One Dad’s Mission is a charity founded by Jeff Bekos to raise awareness and funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Why is he biking to every house?

He is biking to give back after his own family relied on the charity for 254 days in 2013 while their daughter was hospitalized with a life-threatening disease.

As Bekos continues his journey toward Iowa City and beyond, his ride serves as a reminder of the resilience of families and the importance of community-funded support for pediatric medical care.