As these young men begin this feat, they recognize the privilege and opportunity to participate in the Race Across America. Both Bradbury boys have traveled to Haiti since they were young and have many memorable experiences that have shaped their lives.

Why I Ride for Haiti:

Elias Santiago Bradbury Haiti has a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest memories in life took place in Haiti. When I was younger, I recall feeling a great sense of joy, laughter, and warmth with our Haitian brothers and sisters, whether that be playing soccer or having fun by the beach. The people of Haiti remind me that you don't need much to be happy. As I ride my bike across America, I am aware of the travesty and despair that Haiti is experiencing right now. I dedicate this ride to Haiti. I am reminded that this is a great privilege and I hope to bring awareness to the political and economic situation in Haiti.

Cruz Bradbury I was 5 when my family decided to spend two months in Haiti, to see if we were going to live there to serve and partner with remote communities. During that time I learned much from my Haitian brothers and sisters, like how to climb up a tree to get a coconut or not to eat white stuff that is inside of a cactus because it will burn your tongue, or where the most beautiful view is of the village. Since then, I have been back to Haiti four times, and each time I go to Haiti my worldview is challenged by what I see.

I have had friends in Haiti who have lost family members to storms, whose houses have been destroyed. Even with all the misfortune that seems to come their way, they still smile and laugh and love. It was hard for me to wrap my head around this with my materialistic mindset. How could someone find joy when they have lost so much?

A reason I am riding for Haiti is to represent the strong, resilient and hope-filled people that have helped me grow so much as a human. I ride to represent the difficulties Haitians must push through and the hope to arrive at joy. I ride for the longing for peace that is so desperately needed in Haiti. And finally, I ride to give back in a small way to the people that have given me so much.

Haiti H2O: Hope to Opportunity is a development organization based in Pittsburgh investing in Haitian-led solutions for remote villages through construction, agriculture, healthcare, and micro-business projects. Our approach is to take time to listen to local leaders and invest in their ideas, empowering them to make positive change. We currently work with four rural communities in Southwestern Haiti. Haiti H2O invests the money raised to impact the lives of people in rural Haiti!

Current projects include:
Quarterly Medical Clinics in Plain Matin, Bassin Caiman, St. Martin
Rebuilding homes destroyed by earthquake and hurricanes in Meloniere, Plain Matin, and St. Martin
Establishing a micro-business in Plain Matin
Livestock cooperatives and farmer training to provide greater economic and food security

The money raised through the Ride Across America helps to fund these partnerships and projects that provide opportunities to climb out of the poverty trap that grips so many in rural Haiti.

Get progress on their ride via Instagram by following @PittsburghYouthLeadership or @HaitiH2O.

Invest in the hopes of rural Haitians. Donate today!

Bradbury Boys Ride Across America to Support Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters

By Haiti H2O: Hope to Opportunity

Bradbury Boys Ride Across America to Support Our Haitian Brothers and Sisters

Pittsburgh Youth Leadership will embark on its 3rd trip cycling across America on March 10th. In midst of this big feat the Bradbury boys along with director & mentor Cody Wagner would like to bring awareness to the political and economic unrest in Haiti.

Team Members