Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

After months of running 25 to 30 miles a day and recovering from an injury that could have sidelined her for an extended period of time, Filipino runner Joy Rojas completed her Takbong Pangarap run from Los Angeles to New York City .

"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.

The journey covered more than 3,000 miles in elevations that sometimes reached 8,000 feet, with 100 degree weather that scorched the back of her neck and near freezing conditions under the soles of her shoes.

Rojas also completed the Trans-USA run despite missing two months trying to recover from a stress fracture in the left side of her pelvis during the middle of her journey.

"Now, I’m just going to put my feet up if you know what I mean," said Rojas to the Asian Journal.

"The last month and a half was difficult. We only had one rest day because we were trying to complete the (Trans-USA) run by Thanksgiving and before the snow started coming," she said.

"We maximized each day. Now, I just want to rest. I demanded so much from my body," she added.

Rojas began her run at the Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles , CA in April and arrived at the Philippine Consulate in New York City on Sunday, November 22. She crossed over a dozen states, witnessing several sunsets.

What began as a charity run to raise money to fight tuberculosis and heart disease became a fire of inspiration that has lit throughout all Filipinos and Americans across the nation.