‘One Dad’s Mission’ to bike between every Ronald McDonald House, makes a stop in Bend

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Jeff Bekos, founder of "One Dad's Mission," arrived in Bend Thursday as part of his cross-country cycling journey to visit every Ronald McDonald House in the United States.

The aim of "One Dad's Mission" is to raise awareness about the critical support Ronald McDonald Houses provide to families.

Bekos' wife supports his cycling endeavor by driving their recreational vehicle, which serves as their mobile base of operations across the country. Bekos was inspired by his family's personal experience with his daughter Hailey's severe illness. The family spent more than 200 days in a Ronald McDonald House while she received treatment. Their stay made an impression on him.

"I think it was the kindness and generosity of the staff and the volunteers," Bekos said. "I mean, they were very concerned about our family and how Hayley was doing every single day and then just meeting other family members that were also facing catastrophic situations with their child. And we really rallied together. It's a little community that's built within the house."

During his stop at the Ronald McDonald House in Bend, Bekos also took time to repair bicycles for some of the children residing there. He states that the core purpose of his mission is to encourage the public to learn about their local Ronald McDonald House and to inspire people to visit and volunteer their time.

The next stop for "One Dad's Mission" is the Ronald McDonald House located in Springfield, Oregon. You can follow Bekos and "One Dad's Mission" on their website.