“Don’t Think—Just Do It”: Why Jeff Blye Rides for ALYN
Jeff Blye has been riding ALYN Hospital’s annual bike ride, Wheels of Love, for nearly two decades. For Jeff, this is much more than a cycling challenge. It is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of disabled children—and to witness that difference firsthand.
Jeff has participated in Wheels of Love since 2007. Over nearly two decades, he has watched ALYN Hospital grow, innovate, and continually expand the care it provides to children with disabilities.
“Every year, when we visit the hospital, we see improvements made possible through the donations and support of our generous donors,” Jeff said. “We see a new wing, an innovation lab, new medical equipment, a music therapy room, or an animal-assisted therapy space. It’s amazing to see the difference year after year.”
The children treated at ALYN arrive under many different circumstances. Some were born with congenital conditions, while others are recovering from car accidents, war-related trauma, serious illnesses, or injuries. Regardless of what brought them to ALYN, each child receives highly specialized rehabilitation designed to help them gain greater strength, mobility, confidence, and independence.
For Jeff, seeing that progress is what makes every mile worthwhile.
“It’s very rewarding to see the difference in these children’s lives year after year,” he said.
A Moment He Will Never Forget
Of all Jeff’s Wheels of Love experiences, one memory from his first ride continues to stand out.
At the closing ceremony, approximately 450 riders representing 13 countries gathered in an outdoor plaza at ALYN. One by one, the riders from each country were recognized and asked to stand.
Then, a child emerged from behind the stage riding a bicycle—often one that had been specially adapted to meet that child’s individual needs. Each bicycle carried the flag of one of the participating countries, while that country’s national anthem played.
“This went on country after country,” Jeff recalled. “Watching these children come out riding their bikes, they were so proud. I have to tell you, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
The moment captured everything Wheels of Love represents: people from around the world coming together to help children gain independence in their time of need.
Care for Every Child
For Jeff, one of ALYN’s most meaningful qualities is that every child who needs its care is welcomed.
Although the hospital is located in Jerusalem, its care is not limited by a child’s religion, nationality, or background. It is a hospital for children in need and that is who they will serve.
“You don’t have to be Jewish to be a patient there,” Jeff said. “You just have to be a kid who needs care, love, and rehabilitation. ALYN will help you get better, no matter who you are.”
That commitment to treating every child is central to ALYN’s mission—and one of the reasons Jeff continues to return to Wheels of Love year after year.
From Coast to Coast—and Back to ALYN Hospital
Jeff’s passion for cycling has taken him far beyond Wheels of Love. A few years ago, he completed an incredible 3,700-mile bicycle ride across the United States. Yet no matter how many miles he travels, he continues to return to ALYN and the cause that has kept him riding since 2007.
His appearance has changed almost as much as the scenery along the way. Jeff jokes that he once had so much hair—and such a large beard—that you could barely see his face.
The cross-country journey also came with one short-lived reward: Jeff finished the ride and celebrated by purchasing a collection of skinny-fit, tapered shirts.
“That was so much fun,” he joked. “Of course, a couple of weeks later, they didn’t fit me anymore, and now they’re all hanging in my closet.”
The hair and beard may be gone, and the shirts may be gathering dust, but Jeff shows no signs of hanging up his helmet.
