Man Walking Across America for Children’s Hospitals Passes Through Mascoutah

Elliot Smejkal as he was traveling along route 177 near Mascoutah

MASCOUTAH — A Tennessee man walking across the United States to raise money for children’s hospitals passed through Mascoutah on Saturday, May 16, along Illinois Route 177.

Elliot Smejkal, of Tennessee, began his trip 21 days ago at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville and is making his way west toward Seattle, Washington. He said he hopes to complete the journey by the end of October.

Smejkal is raising money through Extra Life, a fundraising program connected to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. He is part of a gaming group called Table Top Rollers, and said all donations raised through the effort go directly to children’s hospitals.

Pushing a cart marked “Walking Across America,” Smejkal has been traveling on foot and camping along the route as he crosses the country.

More information about the fundraiser can be found through the Table Top Rollers Extra Life page.