Art & Living Achievements

What began as a charity run to raise money to fight tuberculosis and heart disease has become a fire of inspiration for all Filipinos across the nation.

A survivor of tuberculosis herself, Filipina runner Joy Rojas began her journey in the Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, California on May 10 and arrived in New York City on November 23, completing a run of over 3,000 miles across the United States.

“They said it couldn’t be done, but with hard work, determination, commitment, endless prayers, and the help of so many people, running across America—and any dream for that matter—can be achieved,” Rojas said.

“Thank you to Western Union and everybody who paved the way for us to run from California to New York. It was a privilege and an honor.”

She was welcomed into New York City by her proud sponsor, Western Union Company, a global payment services company which also sponsored her Takbong Pangarap Trans USA Run.

“We are so proud to support such a great cause and also build awareness about our great services. She perfectly exemplifies the can-do spirit that matches Western Union’s yes! campaign,” shared Silvia Eliat, marketing director of ethnic segments for Western Union.

Overcoming countless odds and experiencing major hurdles, the journey has not been smooth for Rojas. Throughout the run, she encountered elevations as high as 8,000 feet and weather that ranged from 100 degree scorching heat to near-freezing temperatures. She even saw snow for the first time in her life.

After a knee injury delayed her expedition by several weeks, Rojas finally arrived in Washington DC, where she was greeted by a large crowd of fans excited to see her. One of the Western Union® Agent locations in Fort Washington, MD hosted a welcoming party where Rojas shared her experiences and rested to complete her run to New York.

She arrived in New York City on Sunday night and was ready to meet and greet with fans and media on Monday afternoon at an event hosted by Western Union at the Philippines consulate general.

Running with her trainer Mat Macabe, who underwent open-heart surgery last year, Rojas decided to challenge herself with this Trans USA run to benefit a division of the Philippine Heart Center and the Anti-TB Program of the Inner Wheel Club, District 378.

 

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