WHEELS OF LOVE '25
Wheels of Love 2025 is now “in the books,” and what an extraordinary ride it was. More than 320 participants from over 10 countries came together with a single purpose: to ride on behalf of the children of ALYN Hospital. Despite unusually high temperatures in northern Israel, the week was filled with camaraderie, beautiful landscapes, challenging routes, and a shared sense of mission. The hotel and food were outstanding, the atmosphere was warm, and—most importantly—our riders have already raised over $2.3 million to support ALYN Hospital, Israel’s premier pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation center.
For someone who isn’t able to ride, it was deeply inspiring to witness the strength of this community. Time and again, riders spoke about not only supporting ALYN’s life-changing work, but also standing with the people of Israel—particularly those in the north who have faced two extremely difficult years of war and displacement. This commitment was especially evident during a special pre-ride solidarity day held on Sunday.
The day began at a bike shop in Kiryat Shemona that had been closed for two years due to the ongoing security situation. The shop’s owners—whose child had been treated at ALYN—shared their story with our group as the room overflowed with riders offering support. From there, the group traveled to Kibbutz Manara, which had also been evacuated. Riders met residents, listened to their experiences firsthand, and offered encouragement as these families prepared for the long process of rebuilding and returning home.
The following morning, the ride officially began. Each day brought stunning views, dramatic changes in elevation, and of course, the heat—but rider after rider spoke about how meaningful and uplifting the experience was. The challenges on the road seemed small compared to the purpose behind every mile ridden.
As always, the final day was a highlight. Riders concluded their journey at ALYN Hospital, where they were welcomed by clowns, music, hospital staff, patients, and their families. Children handed out medals with pride, and the smiles—everywhere, on every face—captured the joy and hope that define ALYN.
Among the most inspiring elements each year is a remarkable group known as “The Swift and the Bold”—children who were once patients at ALYN. Riding on tandem bikes, hand-powered bicycles, or sometimes on their own bikes, they embody resilience, bravery, and the transformative power of rehabilitation.
One of them is Maayan, a 14-year-old who represents the very heart of ALYN. At age 11, Maayan was diagnosed with a syndrome that caused her brain to send pain signals when nothing was physically wrong. Overnight, the active girl who loved to run and play suddenly couldn’t walk. After nearly a year of treatment elsewhere, she felt as though, in her words, “the world was moving on without me.”
Then Maayan came to ALYN. From her first day, she felt a shift. The doctors and therapists saw beyond her crutches—they saw her strength, determination, and the young person “who wanted her life back.” Through steady, step-by-step rehabilitation, Maayan regained her independence and, after a year, fully recovered.
When she first heard about The Swift and the Bold, Maayan hesitated. But when she describes riding again, her face lights up. She speaks about freedom—about what it feels like to move forward again. “ALYN believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself,” she shared. “Your support of ALYN allows children to laugh, to move, and to dream again. Thank you for giving me my life back.”
Her words capture what Wheels of Love is truly about: not just cycling, but restoring futures, rebuilding strength, and helping children reclaim their lives. We are grateful to every rider, supporter, volunteer, and friend who helped make this year’s ride such an unforgettable success.
