Journey America is fuelled by the kindness of others.
From finding a place to sleep, to knowing which route to travel, to feeding my horses, I depend on people every single day. During the 803 days spent on the road from Canada to Brazil and the first two months of this Long Ride, there has been no shortage of kind individuals along my path.
On this ride to the end of the world, I also need another form of help – funds to help the Barretos Children’s Cancer Hospital. Since I already need so much support from locals, it can be hard to ask them to reach into their pockets to donate money. But what I’m discovering is that people are so good, I don’t have to ask.

“I watched you on the news last week and I want to donate some money for the hospital,” a slim-built man said passing me a 20 Real bill before I arrived in Cascavel.

When I am about to enter a city, people stop me regularly on the side of the road. Many tell me stories of family members who have faced cancer and how much my ride means to them before making a donation.
On a grim Saturday afternoon I thanked the grey heavens above as I rode into the rodeo grounds in Cascavel. A barrel-racing competition was in full swing and I was quickly swarmed by cowboys and cowgirls who wanted to take selfies and say hello. After untacking and feeding the mares, Adani Primo Triches, the president of the grounds, pulled me aside and offered heartwarming news.
“Filipe we are so inspired by what you are doing we want to help you raise money for the Barretos Cancer Hospital,” said the president.
He went on to explain how they would donate all the proceeds from the last heat of the day to the hospital. I was in awe with their kindness and initiative! But I never imagined they would raise as much money as they did.

Together with the competitors and different Quarter Horse breeders they raised a whopping $1,500 Dollars. Acts of generosity, like this, keep me trekking, no matter how difficult the journey gets. The kindness of others fuels my ride.