Florida To Alaska - On a Motorcycle! How a Deaf Man Is Raising Money For Deaf & Blind Babies

St. Augustine, Florida, June 5, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​In 1947, Dr. Michael Tuccelli was born completely deaf, due to complications in the birth canal.  His mother refused to treat him as handicapped, so he attended a normal public school while also attending speech therapy sessions.  He graduated from high school and went on to earn his undergraduate degree in Biology from Gallaudet University (which is also where he learned sign language,) his graduate degree in Special Education and Teaching, and eventually, at the age of 48, his Doctorate of Education in Administration from the University of Florida.  In between all of this, he:

• became a father of three children

• ran as a candidate for mayor

• served as the Principal of a private school

• taught high school science and math to deaf and blind children

• lectured at various deaf awareness/interpreter workshops around the US

• established the world’s largest interpreter conference (Silent Weekend)

• and finally, served as Professor and Senior Lecturer at the University of Florida, where he developed a curriculum for the university’s first American Sign Language course

At the University of Florida, where he taught for just over 17 years, Dr. Tuccelli was recognized twice as Teacher of the Year, and his classes often had long waiting lists due to their popularity.

As if all of that wasn’t enough to fulfill his life’s motto of, “If you think you can’t do it, do it,” Dr. Tuccelli, a born adventurer, decided to ride his motorcycle from Florida to Alaska in 2002 “just for the fun of it.”  What started off as a pleasure ride eventually grew into a full-blown annual charity event, with other bikers joining him on the ride to raise awareness of and funds for Utah State University’s SKI-HI, a non-profit charity that supports the families of deaf and blind children.  In 2006, at the age of 59, Dr. Tuccelli made the decision to undergo surgery for a cochlear implant, allowing him to hear for the first time.  After this surgery, his passion for making a difference in the lives of others less fortunate soared to new heights, and he has since dedicated much of his time to SKI-HI and other various charities, including helping to build an orphanage in Guatemala. 

On July 4, 2015, it's "Kickstands up!" once more for Dr. Tuccelli and other bikers who have signed up for the 14th annual Alaska Bike Run. Sixteen men and women will be riding this year, and while they are eager to challenge themselves by riding cross-country, they are even more eager to raise money for SKI-HI. Donations are welcomed and accepted directly through SKI-HI’s website (http://SKI-HI.org), or through the Alaska Bike Run website (http://alaskabikerun.com). 100% of donations go to SKI-HI and are tax-deductible.  Donatees can even designate one of the seventeen bikers to support per mile, pledging anywhere from 1/10 cent per mile ($10) up to 5 cents per mile ($500.)  These donations go towards promoting early intervention for babies who are born blind and/or deaf.  With early intervention, and with love and support from their families, these babies can grow up to achieve great things.  Dr. Tuccelli's incredible life is proof of this. 

Clocking an average of 450 miles per day, through both sunshine and rain, Dr. Tuccelli and the sixteen other bikers have quite a ride ahead of them, but knowing that they are helping others with every mile makes the journey worthwhile. Throughout July, supporters are encouraged to visit the Alaska Bike Run website for daily updates, pictures, and videos. North to Alaska - with enthusiasm!