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Cyclists Going the Distance to Benefit People with Disabilities

San Diego, CALIF. – The Arc of San Diego is participating in Race Across America (RAAM) 2022 as a beneficiary of Team PossAbilities. One of the world’s most challenging and long-running cycling races, RAAM 2022 kicks off on June 18, 2022 in Oceanside, California, and concludes in Annapolis, Maryland, with riders covering 3,070 miles in eight days.

Team PossAbilities is riding to benefit people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who often lack support and inclusion from their communities. All funds raised by Team PossAbilities will support advocacy, equity and access for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country.

The team consists of four riders, who have each selected an Arc chapter for which they will ride and that will benefit from their fundraising efforts. The riders are Patrick Berkebile - The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Carrie Tillson - The Arc of San Diego, Pat McMahon - The Arc of Northern Virginia and Paul East - The Arc of Harris County.

Representing The Arc of San Diego is Carrie Tillson, a cardiac travel nurse with Aya Healthcare. Carrie has taken her passion for cycling across the country while exploring and caring for communities. Riding for the first time, Carrie notes “With every mile I ride I want to ensure others have the right to live their lives to the fullest potential they and their loved ones can imagine. The Arc makes this a reality for families coast to coast.”

In honor of Carrie and The Arc of San Diego, Aya Healthcare generously contributed $10,000 to support Team PossAbilities and their journey across the country. Based in San Diego, CA, Aya Healthcare is the largest healthcare staffing company in the United States and employs thousands of travel nurses like Carrie nationwide.

“We are thrilled to support this coast to coast effort to raise awareness for the inclusion and equity of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Amber Zeeb, Vice President, Employee Experience. “By supporting causes like this and individuals like Carrie, we can improve the overall health and care of our nation.”

To learn more about Team PossAbilities or make a donation, please visit www.team-possabilities.org. For more details about the race, please visit www.raamrace.org.

About RAAM:

The toughest endurance event in the world, RAAM offers long-distance cyclists the opportunity to challenge themselves to the height of their abilities. Fewer than 2,500 cyclists have completed RAAM since it began in 1982. These competition athletes brave the desert, plains and mountain weather, lead a crew and a mini-organization of support, and raise thousands of dollars for charities around the world.

“This year, RAAM celebrates 36 years of uniting people from around the world with a shared love for cycling and adventure through team bonding, struggle and a strong sense of accomplishment,” said Fred Boethling, owner of RAAM and solo and two-man team finisher. “It’s man against the elements, the road, and ultimately, him or herself.”

About The Arc:

The Arc is the largest national community-based nonprofit organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. We work tirelessly to uphold our vision that every person with IDD has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to support their full inclusion and participation in the community. The Arc has over 600 chapters serving people nationwide. www.thearc.org

The Arc Central Chesapeake Region Founded in 1961, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region supports more than 4,000 children and adults in nine counties in Maryland to live the lives they choose for themselves. www.thearcccr.org

The Arc of Harris County Founded in 1983, The Arc of Harris County supports more than 1,000 children and adults in the Greater Houston area. www.aogh.org

The Arc of Northern Virginia Founded in 1962, The Arc of Northern Virginia provides services and advocacy for the more than 39,000 people with IDD of all ages and their families throughout Northern Virginia, including a Special Needs Trust that serves all disabilities in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. www.thearcofnova.org

The Arc of San Diego Founded in 1951, The Arc of San Diego is the largest, most comprehensive service provider for people with disabilities in San Diego County, serving over 2,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome each year. www.arc-sd.com

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