On Sat., Aug. 24, 47 Saint Anselm College students arrived on campus to confetti, balloons, and cheers from hundreds of people, having walked 130 miles and raised more than $23,000 for nine regional nonprofit organizations as a part of the 25th Road for Hope walk.
“[Road for Hope] allows you to take a week out of your life to slow down, live simply with very few of the normal daily comforts we are used to,” explained Michaela Thibault ’25. “The discomfort forces you to continuously come back to the real reason we are walking, the nine charities, this really helps you dig deeper and recognize there are 46 other people here with you struggling too, you are not alone.”
Beginning eight days ago in Lewiston, Maine, this annual pilgrimage “seeks to provide funds for the needy, strengthen the bonds in our communities, and rekindle the belief that every footstep makes a difference."
Each participant is expected to raise $500 for the charities supported on the walk. They also spend the summer training for the walk, so that when they return to campus, they can focus on getting to know each other and the organizations they are supporting. The walk begins at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Lewiston.
After a send-off from the Knights of Columbus, walkers settle into a routine of footcare, yoga, walking from 8 in the morning to around 5 in the evening, with breaks in between. In the evening they reflect on their day and process the emotions that the walk brought up. At night, students rest at local churches and schools.
Each walker has their own favorite leg of the race, some are connected to the people walking with them for the specific legs of the race, some have a connection to the organization receiving the funds, and for some, it is connected to the hospitality shown to them while they are there.
“We walk for St. Charles School on Day 5, and we stay at St. Charles on this day. We are welcomed to the school by the Sisters that work there, and their hospitality is like no other, especially after a long day of walking,” shared Caitlin Sullivan ’25. “Rounding the corner in Rochester, NH to see the Sisters waiting outside to welcome us is a memory that I will carry with me for a long time.”
The Road for Hope tradition was started in 1998 by Seamus Griesbach ‘02, who chose to walk from his hometown of Lisbon, Maine all the way to Manchester to start his freshman year at Saint Anselm College. Along with his brother, the two walked around 130 miles. The next year, Griesbach once again walked the 130-mile journey but this time he did so with over 30 of his friends. They used their walk to raise money for charities between Lewiston and Manchester. It is now a much loved and anticipated tradition on the Hilltop.
Road for Hope is led by six student leaders who return to campus early to receive training on wound and other medical care, facilitation skills, and to prepare for the other walkers’ arrival. They provide medical and emotional support for the walkers, making sure that everyone is included. This year, the six student leaders are: Blake McSweeney ‘26, Caitlin Sullivan ‘25, Olivia Michaud ‘25, Michaela Thibault ‘25, Olivia Korb ‘25, and Tim Pozerski ‘25.
“For the past 25 years, Road for Hope has given hundreds of students the opportunity to grow personally, spiritually, and in relationships while learning about themselves and the community around them,” shared Gregg Cecconi, director of campus ministry. “By the end of their experience they understand that truly each step they take in their lives has the potential to make a difference.”
After the send-off mass, with the assistance of Alumni Relations, many alumni who participated in Road for Hope returned to campus to celebrate the 25th anniversary, including Fr. Griesbach.
“It’s really inspiring for me to see the tradition of the Road for Hope continue. To make that long trip and support these charities that have really benefited so much over the years,” said Griesbach. “I never would have guessed 25 years ago that this would be continuing today and with such energy and joyfulness. It’s a real testament and I’m grateful.”
The Road for Hope supports the following local charities: Relief & Hope Services of Catholic Charities Maine, Portland, ME; Community Concepts, Lewiston, ME; Good Shepherd Food Bank, Auburn ME; York County Shelter Program, Alfred, ME; Candia Moore School Wellness Program, Candia, NH; SHARE Fund, Rochester, NH; St. Charles School, Rochester, NH; Kid's Café, Manchester, NH; and UpReach Therapeutic Riding Center, Goffstown, NH.
