"Traveling on Route 601": Participating in a donation trip across the United States in a Trabant car

Devoted automobile - "Traveling on Route 601": Participating in a donation trip across the United States in a Trabant car

A Trabi painted in champagne beige has already made the journey across the ocean, and in late June, it's Jan-Erik Nord who hits the road once again to drive the 6,000+ kilometers through the United States. He plans to complete this journey with the movie "Made in Zwickau." This year, the 601 model of the Trabant celebrates its 60th anniversary, and Nord has decided to call his trip "Route 601." This journey will take him to popular cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Las Vegas, and the Yellowstone National Park, among others, ending up at Stanford in California. A tiny teddy bear is always along for the ride.

Katharina Hofmann from Zwickau gave Nord the stuffed animal when he encountered her family and was deeply affected by their situation. She was born with a terminable disease called Epidermolysis bullosa, named butterfly disease. Moved by their story, Nord changed his planned vacation into a "Charity Drive for Katharina." He hopes to raise awareness about this disease and gather contributions for an expensive treatment through his trip. Along the way, he plans to talk to people about it, ask for help from institutions, and chronicle his journey on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

The Trabant, despite its roots in the socialist GDR, has made a mark in the US through its appearance in the hit movie "Trabbi goes to Hollywood." In the early 1990s, it starred alongside Thomas Gottschalk in this comedy. Nord came to appreciate the Trabant later in life, having grown up in Saarland. It wasn't until he moved to Berlin that he was captivated by the car, despite its initial challenges with the two-stroke engine and steering column change. His wife gave him his first ride in the Trabi as a birthday present, reminisces Nord, "I was utterly amazed! There was always something breaking down." Over time, he accumulated a collection of GDR vintage cars, owning three now.

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1. Nord's beloved Trabant car, now in a vibrant color, has become a symbol of his charity drive across the USA.
2. Despite residing in California, Nord frequently visits Detroit, a city known for its rich automobile history and cultural diversity.
3. The public health system in Saxony is actively researching ways to combat various diseases, including Epidermolysis bullosa.
4. The USA's Atlantic coastline is a picturesque backdrop to several popular cities, including Chicago, known for its vibrant social affairs.
5. In Zwickau, where Trabant cars were once manufactured, a colorful art festival showcases the town's history and creativity.
6. A ship carrying essential goods, including medical supplies, sets sail from California to Germany, crossing the Atlantic to help combat growing diseases.
7. In the heart of Germany, Saarland is renowned for its dedication to science and technological advancements.
8. In a bid to support children suffering from life-threatening diseases, a charity event was held in Las Vegas, a city famous for its extravagant shows.
9. Researchers at Stanford University are working on groundbreaking treatments for multiple illnesses, including Epidermolysis bullosa.
10. The city of Detroit is home to several renowned institutions, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical and technological research in the USA.

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