Some people are moved by a story. Nathan Knorr was moved to act.
This October, Nathan is getting on his bike and riding the entire length of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, all 184.5 miles from Cumberland, Maryland to Georgetown, Washington D.C., to raise funds for CASA of the Eastern Panhandle. He will cover the full route from October 21 through 24, and every mile he rides is a mile ridden for a child in our community who deserves a voice and a champion.
The Story Behind the Ride
Nathan’s inspiration for this challenge comes from someone who has been a cornerstone of CASA-EP since its very beginning.
Cliff Smith, husband of CASA-EP co-founder Valerie Smith, has been involved with this organization since 2003. Over the years, he has shown up for CASA-EP in ways that have consistently left the community in awe. At 76, he walked 184 miles in 12 days to raise money for CASA-EP.
Then, in July of that year, Cliff was in a horrifying car accident. He broke his clavicle, sternum, seven ribs, his pelvis and sacrum. His face required reconstruction. He could not walk. He was airlifted to Inova Fairfax Hospital’s trauma unit.
Months later, Cliff was back on his feet. And true to form, he signed up for the Superhero Challenge again, walking a mile every single day for 31 days, covering the equivalent of a full marathon while still in recovery, because the children CASA-EP serves were worth showing up for.
That is the story that moved Nathan Knorr to pick up where inspiration left off and take on a challenge of his own.
About the Ride
The C&O Canal is one of the most iconic trail routes on the East Coast, running 184.5 miles along the Potomac River through some of the most beautiful landscape the region has to offer. Nathan will complete the full route over four days, from October 21 through 24.
It is not a small undertaking. But then again, neither is advocating for a child navigating the court system alone. That is exactly the kind of commitment CASA-EP’s volunteers make every day, and it is exactly the spirit Nathan is bringing to this ride.
Why It Matters
CASA of the Eastern Panhandle recruits, trains, and supports volunteer advocates serving children in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties who have experienced abuse or neglect. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to serve as a consistent, independent voice for children in the court system, making sure their needs are heard and their futures are considered.
Every dollar raised through Nathan’s ride goes directly toward that mission: recruiting more volunteers, training them well, and supporting them as they advocate for children who need someone firmly in their corner.
How You Can Help
Nathan is taking on the miles. Your job is simple: support him.
Visit the link below to make a donation of any amount to Nathan’s ride. Every contribution goes directly to CASA-EP and the children we serve in the Eastern Panhandle. Share the link with your friends, your coworkers, and your community. The more people who know about this ride, the greater the impact.
Donate to Nathan’s ride: https://casaep.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/21871
Cliff Smith proved that resilience and community can accomplish extraordinary things. Nathan Knorr is proving it all over again. We hope you will be part of the story.
To learn more about CASA-EP and how you can get involved, visit mycasaep.org.