When Randall Pope set out to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, he didn’t plan a quiet reflection. Instead, he rolled into action—literally—embarking on a 200-mile journey from his hometown in Virginia all the way to the Pentagon.

What started as a personal milestone quickly became a movement.

“I was sitting in my office last September and realized this was my 30th year since I was diagnosed,” Randall said. “So I was thinking of a way to commemorate it.”

That idea turned into Rolling with Randall, a multi-day awareness ride in his power wheelchair, supported by family, friends, and even an Army buddy, all determined to make a difference. Three chase vehicles, including the wheelchair accessible Chrysler Pacifica van Randall got from our Richmond MobilityWorks location, tagged along.

Randall’s van was essential, not just as a support vehicle for his journey, but as a symbol of what mobility truly means.

“The van is freedom,” Randall shared. “Without it, I am going nowhere. I can travel cross-country. I can go anywhere as long as I have my van.”

His journey wasn’t just about personal endurance. It was about creating impact. Through Rolling with Randall, he raised funds for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) to provide immediate, life-changing assistance, such as mobility equipment, to people with MS and veterans in need.

“Not that research isn’t important,” he said, “but I’d rather have it go to ramps or power chairs or walkers—whatever people need to get them through the day and make their life better.”

The journey garnered major attention online and on the news, including coverage from local outlets and features from the PVA.

“I can’t open up a social media page without seeing something about it,” Randall said. “It’s amazing how things just started.”

But Randall isn’t done yet.

“We’ve already got the next thing,” he teased. “I’m not going to say what that is yet, but we’ve got a lot of wheels in motion already.”

For others living with MS or navigating life with mobility challenges, Randall hopes his story sends a clear message:

“It’s easy not to get out of bed and challenge yourself,” he said. “Things that anybody could do in one or two steps may take me ten steps to do, but I’m going to figure it out. You’ve got to get up, you’ve got to get out and live life.”

He also encourages people to tap into the resources around them, from national organizations to adaptive sports.

“I wheelchair bowl. That’s my sport,” he added. “I still bowl.”

 

Three decades after his diagnosis, Randall’s message is one of action and hope.

“Being diagnosed doesn’t stop your life,” he said. “But you have to push forward and live it.”

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Want to learn more about Randall’s journey?

Check out the full news story from NBC 12: Rolling with Randall: A Journey to the Pentagon

Want to read more stories like Randall’s?

Visit our InMotion page to read more inspiring journeys from members of the MobilityWorks family.