By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – One man is making a cross country journey on two wheels for veterans.
Our News partner, Heart of Illinois ABC, met up with Christian Crifasi in Bloomington while he was making his way to New York from California.
“Once you get the humidity of the Midwest, I didn’t think it’d be that bad. I’m from the South originally and I’m used to the humidity but once I crossed into Missouri it hit me like a wall. It’s been rough,” said Crifasi.
2,400 miles down, but another thousand or so to go for Christian Crifasi.
He’s biking across the United States for Creativet, an organization focused on healing hidden wounds of soldiers.
“Creativet is an organization that actually works with wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music,” said Crifasi.
As a Navy veteran himself, Crifasi said this program can be powerful.
“The impact of time and service and what it does to individuals and their families, this organization hit home and it’s what I want to support.”
COVID-19 has created donation and awareness challenges for the organization.
So ditching the traditional styles of fundraising, Crifasi hit the pavement.
“That’s one of the best things about the trip, talking to people along the way. They see the jersey, they ask why I’m riding. Just spreading that word since they are doing things live on Facebook is a great opportunity for people to reach out remotely,” said Crifasi.
Three months of biking and navigating city after city might not be for everyone.
Crifasi doesn’t regret a single pedal.