Pedaling for a Purpose: Missy Leppo’s Ride Across Iowa
When Gilchrist supporter, Missy Leppo, set out to bike across the state of Iowa this summer, she wasn’t just riding for herself—she was riding for children and families in the care of Gilchrist Kids. Her weeklong journey of more than 400 miles became a powerful way to honor her loved ones, give back to the community, and raise over $10,000 to support our youngest patients.
A Personal Connection to Gilchrist
Missy knows firsthand the comfort and care Gilchrist provides. Her mother, Dorothy Kraft, received Gilchrist’s home hospice care for six months before moving to assisted living, where she passed away in December 2021.
Her brother-in-law, Jack Barrow, and her mother-in-law, Nancy Sterner, were also cared for by Gilchrist—Nancy first at home and later at Gilchrist Center Towson.
Each experience left Missy deeply grateful. “Gilchrist is just so wonderful—with the patients, with the families. The nurses, the aides, everyone. You’re always caring, considerate, and kind,” Missy shares. “Every time my family has gone through Gilchrist, it’s been a positive experience.”
Inspired to Ride
The idea for the fundraiser came from a friend in Illinois who has long participated in RAGBRAI—short for the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest, and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. Each July, more than 15,000 riders from across the globe gather to ride nearly 500 miles from the western border of Iowa to the eastern edge, dipping their tires in the Missouri River at the start and in the Mississippi River at the finish.
The weeklong ride lasts seven days and passes through dozens of small towns. Riders camp each night in fairgrounds, schoolyards, or local parks, and along the way enjoy food, live music, and famously warm Iowa hospitality.
“When my friend told me how he used his ride to raise money for a nonprofit in his area, I immediately thought of Gilchrist,” Missy explains. “So many in my family had been cared for by Gilchrist, and I wanted to do something to give back.”
Crossing the Fundraising Finish Line
Missy began with a modest fundraising goal of $3,000. She emailed family and friends, asking for their support. One friend pledged to match whatever she raised up to her goal. When Missy hit $3,000, he surprised her by saying he would donate $5,000 instead.
“All of a sudden, I was at $8,000,” Missy laughs. “That’s when Patti Santoni from Gilchrist encouraged me to raise my goal to $10,000—and we ended up passing it.” By the end of her ride, Missy had raised $10,195 for Gilchrist Kids.
The Ride of a Lifetime
The ride itself was an adventure Missy will never forget. Each night, she and fellow cyclists camped in tents along the route, moving from small town to small town. The smallest community she rode through had just 64 residents, yet locals greeted riders with open arms, homecooked meals, and even slices of homemade pie.
Not every day was easy. On the very first night, Missy discovered her tent leaked during a downpour. Later in the week, powerful headwinds nearly brought her to a halt.
“One day, it took us six hours to go just 33 miles because of the wind. So many people had to SAG (get picked up). They filled three school buses with cyclists and an 18-wheeler with bikes,” she recalls.
That same day, the overnight forecast called for strong winds, severe thunderstorms, and even the possibility of tornadoes. Thankfully, no tornadoes touched down, but weathering a storm in a tent was still no small feat. As the rain pounded and the winds whipped, Missy found herself praying—for the safety of the campers around her and for all the children and families served by Gilchrist Kids. “Thinking about the Gilchrist Kids got me through,” she says. “My challenge was temporary. Theirs is ongoing. That perspective kept me moving forward each day.”
Why Gilchrist Kids
When asked why she chose to dedicate her fundraiser specifically to Gilchrist Kids, Missy’s answer was heartfelt: “I just think it’s heartbreaking that children have to go through serious illness. If I can help them enjoy their days a little bit more, that’s what I want to do.”
At Gilchrist Kids, the mission is to enhance the quality of life for infants, children, and young adults living with life-limiting illnesses. Care is provided in the setting that matters most—home—where children can be surrounded by their loved ones and familiar comforts.
The pediatric team provides relief from physical, emotional, social, and spiritual suffering, focusing on the individual goals of each child and their family. Unlike adults in hospice, children may continue to receive life-sustaining and curative treatments through Concurrent Care, determined in partnership with each family and their insurance provider.
An interdisciplinary team—comprised of a child life specialist, nurses, physicians, social workers, spiritual counselors, aides, volunteers, and music therapists—works together to ensure compassionate, comprehensive care throughout each child’s journey.
Making an Impact
Missy’s ride was about more than miles—it was about honoring loved ones, turning personal passion into community impact, and bringing joy to children who need it most.
“I would encourage others to consider fundraising for Gilchrist,” Missy says. “You never know how generous people will be. And Gilchrist made it so easy every step of the way.”
Thanks to Missy’s determination—and the generosity of her supporters—hundreds of miles pedaled across Iowa have translated into comfort and care for children and families here in Maryland.
To learn more about Gilchrist Kids and Gilchrist Fundraising, visit: https://gilchristcares.org/