In the pouring rain on a May morning in 2025, Randall Pope rolled out of Christopher Newport University in his power wheelchair, unaware that his personal battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) would become a movement that would inspire and help others. 

What began as a personal milestone quickly evolved into Rolling With Randall—a platform to raise funds for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Mid-Atlantic Chapter. The initiative provides immediate, life-changing assistance, such as mobility equipment, to people with MS and veterans in need. 

This year, the Rolling With Randall team returned, ready to take on an even bigger challenge. Beginning on May 13, Randall embarked on a 10-day journey, starting at East Carolina University. Alongside him was Bruce White, Randall’s longtime friend, whose adventurous spirit fuels the team, and Joann Pope, Randall’s wife, who ensured every detail of the journey—from navigation to logistics—runs smoothly. Other invaluable team members captained chaser vehicles, including a rental wheelchair-accessible Chrysler Pacifica, and bicycles to support the effort. 

Over the course of nearly two weeks, the team rolled through towns, universities, and landmarks across North Carolina, raising awareness about MS and fundraising for the PVA Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Their journey culminated at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 23. 

The idea for Rolling With Randall was born out of Randall’s natural tendency to think outside the box. 

“I’ve done all the MS walks, and so on and so forth, and I was trying to think of something different to do to commemorate my 30 years of having MS. And this is what I came up with,” Randall explained. “I thought, ‘Well, this is my home, my chair is my home.’ This is the place I feel most comfortable.” 

During that first ride in 2025, Randall and his team covered more than 200 miles, starting at Christopher Newport University in Virginia and ending at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial several days later. 
“It poured rain the entire first day, but we persevered. I think people took us seriously after that,” Randall said. 

Not only did people take them seriously—many cheered, celebrated, and helped raise nearly $35,000 for the Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic Chapter. 

Randall, a U.S. Army veteran, reflected on the luncheon held to recognize his contributions after the first ride: 

“When I saw the people crying and just the way they were thinking, I realized at that moment that my service, I thought, ended in 1995 when I had been discharged, but my service never really ended. I ended it, and I needed to restart it.” 

While Randall brings ingenuity, determination, and dedication to the movement, he considers his superpower to be something else: the ability to truly listen. 

“I think my superpower is the ability to listen,” he said. “People know I’m genuine, and they come to me with their issues because I truly care.” 

Randall’s ability to listen has become a cornerstone of Rolling With Randall. Whether it’s hearing the struggles of fellow veterans or connecting with MS patients along the route, his genuine care inspires others to believe in the mission. 

As Randall puts it, “I’ve had one bad day in my life, but I’ve had a thousand great things happen since then. This journey is about celebrating those great things and helping others find theirs too.” 

Join Randall on his journey! Follow Rolling With Randall and MobilityWorks on social media for live updates, support the cause, and cheer them on.