James “Jay” Meyer and Luke Carrell strapped on their rollerblades this August and journeyed 340 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland to support patients and families at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s.

For seven days, the duo skated through the summer heat, camped in tents and hammocks, and documented their progress on social media. Along the way, they inspired a community of supporters who donated more than $5,600 to help kids facing serious illnesses.

The funds raised through Jay and Luke’s “Roll Across Ohio” benefited UH Rainbow’s Child Life Services, providing toys, games, art supplies, distraction tools and other activities that improve patient experience but lack insurance coverage. The items help children cope with treatments, hospital stays and health-related anxiety.

In 2014, when Jay’s son was diagnosed with leukemia, child life services eased the burden for his family. “This event is just one of the ways we can give back, to support families who deal with these issues every day,” said Jay.

The cause was also natural for Luke, who has worked with students with disabilities for more than a decade. When Jay suggested they partner with UH Rainbow, Luke didn’t hesitate.

The two met through their common interest in “bladepacking,” a combination of rollerblading and backpacking. Their friendship eventually forged a partnership on wheels for a greater purpose.

This summer’s statewide trek was not their first. In 2020, the friends bladed from Cleveland to Columbus during the pandemic, and the following year extended their route across all of Ohio. Since then, Jay and Luke’s efforts have raised more than $10,000.

After setting out on August 9, 2025, Jay and Luke arrived at UH Rainbow on August 15, 2025, greeted by staff, patients, friends and family.

It was a joyful moment not just for the two skaters but for those families whose hospital stays will be a little better, thanks to their determination.

You can support “Roll Across Ohio” and UH Rainbow Child Life Services here. Create your own fundraiser for University Hospitals today.

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