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Brooke Johnson Becomes First Woman to Skateboard Across the U.S., Raises $50,000 for Spinal Cord Research

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Brooke Johnson, 29, has made history as the first woman to skateboard across the United States, completing a 3,266-mile journey while raising $50,000 for spinal cord injury research.

Johnson began her expedition in Santa Monica, California, and concluded in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on August 15, 2025. The trip spanned 119 days, covering diverse terrains and extreme weather conditions. The journey was undertaken in honor of her late stepfather, Roger, who sustained a spinal cord injury after breaking his C5 vertebra, later becoming quadriplegic before his passing in 2024.

According to Johnson, her stepfather had always encouraged her to pursue the goal. Their original plan was to cross the finish line together, with Johnson pushing his wheelchair. Following his death, she carried his memory throughout the trip, wearing a heart-shaped necklace containing his ashes. Johnson told local station WVEC that his presence motivated her through every challenge.

“Roger left me purpose, and for that I thank him every single day,” Johnson said at the finish line.

The fundraiser supported Wings for Life, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to spinal cord research. Johnson’s accomplishment not only established a new world record but also advanced awareness of spinal cord injuries, which affect an estimated 17,000 new patients annually in the United States, according to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center.

Her journey included long stretches of highway, unpredictable weather, and significant wear on equipment, including multiple pairs of shoes. Despite these obstacles, she successfully met her fundraising goal while drawing national attention to the cause.

On social media, Johnson shared a video montage of her journey, paired with an old voicemail from her stepfather. She described the message as one that “felt like he left it for the present moment.” In the caption, she wrote: “If there’s one thing you take away from this trip, it’s that you can truly do anything you put your mind to.”

Johnson’s achievement places her among a growing list of endurance athletes who use record-breaking challenges to highlight medical research and advocacy. Similar feats, such as marathon fundraisers and long-distance endurance events, have contributed to public engagement with rare health conditions and generated millions in donations globally.

Her historic finish was marked by the Red Bull-sponsored finish line in Virginia Beach, where supporters celebrated her accomplishment. The success of Johnson’s campaign reflects the increasing use of endurance sports as platforms for medical fundraising and awareness, demonstrating how personal stories can galvanize public support for scientific research.