As I walk down the steps of the rolling hills of Jerusalem, I breathe in the fresh air, taking in my surroundings. There are children of all ages, laughing, running, rolling, swimming, gardening—filling the atmosphere with a sense of joy and strength you’d think belonged only in fiction novels. You see, this isn’t any random corner in Jerusalem, and these children are nothing short of extraordinary.
This is ALYN Hospital—one of the world’s leading pediatric and adolescent
rehabilitation centers. The doctors, therapists, nurses, and staff dedicate themselves to the utmost care and creativity, finding innovative ways to help every child reach full independence. Whether it’s a toddler relearning how to walk after an accident, a teenager adjusting to life with a new prosthetic, or a child navigating daily life with a complex disability, ALYN’s team provides not only medical excellence but also hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
At ALYN, every hallway and therapy room radiates possibilities and determination. Programs like intensive physical, occupational, and hydro-therapy, the cutting-edge ALYNnovation hub for medical innovation, the development and design center of PELE where customized devices are built for children’s unique needs, and the PARC center, which advances pediatric rehabilitation through research, evaluation of therapies, and development of new interventions, all reflect the hospital’s commitment to helping children live as independently and fully as possible.
What makes ALYN especially remarkable is its inclusivity—children from every background, religion, and culture are welcomed here, united by the care they receive and the resilience they build together.
The remarkable care at ALYN has always sparked a desire in people to give back. What began with a group of devoted riders wanting to show their gratitude grew into Wheels of Love—a bike ride born out of love for the hospital and the children it serves.
Each year, cyclists channel their passion and energy into supporting ALYN, turning miles on the road into meaningful change. More than fundraising, Wheels of Love has become a tradition of generosity, connection, and shared purpose.
“The last day is very, very hard. It’s a serious climb up to Jerusalem, but it’s so worth it when you get to the top and you see these kids- it just it melts your heart,” said Ed Joyce, a veteran rider of 10 years, one of the main founders of the Wheels of Love cycling team, The Grumpy Roadsters, and board member of various positions at American Friends of ALYN Hospital.
Since the founding of Wheels of Love in the 1990’s, the ride has raised tens of millions of dollars, with each year’s event providing critical resources that directly touch the lives of thousands of children. Beyond the numbers, the ride symbolizes a global community rallying together, proving that care for children at ALYN extends far beyond the walls of the hospital.
“Two other dads, (Elie Gordis and Jeremy Merrin), who had done the ride before, and I, decided to form a little team called the Grumpy Roadsters. Our wives will deny it to this day, but I think they were the ones that gave us the name for our team. The next year, there were seven or eight of us, I think. And at one point we had about 20 teammates – we’ve done it every year (since)… and we’ve raised quite a bit of money for ALYN Hospital.” Ed shares.
What makes Wheels of Love truly unique is the people. Families ride together, friends return year after year, and new participants join a tradition that has grown stronger with time. Many describe the experience as life-changing: not just a cycling event, but a journey of purpose, solidarity, and connection, not only with their community, but the diverse communities around them.
That spirit of unity extends far beyond the ride itself—it reflects the very heart of ALYN Hospital, where differences are set aside in service of a greater mission. As Ed put it:“(At ALYN Hospital) you have Muslims, Christians, (and) Jews- the way one would hope the world could be. When you’re dealing with a kid that has issues and needs help, all the craziness goes to the side. The interdenominational aspect of that hospital is what gets me- it’s an aspiration.”
Building Generational Bonds
For many riders, Wheels of Love has become a family legacy. Parents pass on the tradition of giving and resilience to their children, creating a cycle of impact that extends beyond the ride itself.
Ed shared, “This year my son Adin, who just graduated from the University of Michigan, is joining me. I said to him, ‘Do you want to come do it? Do this with me?’ And he (Adin) just lit up- just jumped at the chance to do that. It feels like a legacy.”
Stories like this highlight how ALYN inspires multi-generational commitment. Spouses, siblings, children, and even grandchildren join the ride, weaving together bonds of community and purpose.’
The Heart of the Ride
The most unforgettable moments come when the riders meet the children they ride for during and after the ride. Many kids ride with the cyclists as a part of their physical therapy, others wait at the finish line for their medal ceremonies, it leaves a lasting mark on participants.
“I get very emotional when I come up there (ALYN Hospital) and you have all those kids up there waiting for you, and all they want to do is put a medal around your neck. It’s incredibly moving… Some of the kids we ride with- they’re part of the swift and the bold. There’s this one girl I’ve been riding with, side by side, since 2019—and it just blows me away. I’m out here, exhausted, everything hurts… and here’s this person basically doing all of this with only her arms. It’s incredibly inspiring…,” said Ed. For many, these moments embody ALYN’s spirit: resilience, courage, and joy despite adversity.
Looking ahead
Even as ALYN continues to lead in pediatric rehabilitation, new challenges remain—whether adapting therapies during global crises, innovating new solutions for each child’s specific needs, pioneering world-class research, or providing specialized care during times of conflict. The Wheels of Love community ensures that ALYN can continue to meet those challenges with strength.
Ed explains, “It’s about tikkun olam; it’s important to look out for and try to take care of those that may not be as fortunate in their life for a variety of reasons as you are and never lose sight of that. I am my brother and my sister’s keeper… and this ride has become an extension of me.”
Every mile ridden is an act of hope, keeping ALYN’s mission alive and ensuring that children continue to receive the therapy, innovation, and support they need to thrive. Wheels of Love is not just a ride—it’s a movement of healing, community, and continuity. Be part of this movement by joining us in Israel for the Wheels of Love ride, or take part in our Heels of Love hikes, virtual rides, parlor meetings, and other gatherings in the U.S. and Israel. Together we can push this mission forward—and your donation helps make every step, pedal, and mile possible.