24 Hours of Hiking!

Last year when I set out on my Pacific Crest Trail adventure I did so in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Association’s Longest Day event. My mom’s partner Lori was living with Alzheimer’s and she was his full-time caregiver, I figured that I could support those that I love by doing what I love. By partnering with the Alzheimer’s I was able to raise awareness about the disease and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, which provides care, support and research.

Just a short time ago Lori passed away due to the progression of his Alzheimer’s. Luckily he passed peacefully with my mom by his side. When I found out I felt a mix of sadness and relief. Sad because Lori is no longer with us but relief that he is no longer suffering and that my mom could finally rest. She gave everything to give him the best quality of life she could. It was difficult to Lori change from a very happy, talkative, curious, funny guy to someone who was confused, need to be fed and hardly talk in just a few years. And that’s just what I saw, I can’t wrap my head around how difficult it was for my mom.

So this year I am once again participating in The Longest Day to honor my mom and Lori, along with everyone who has been impacted by Alzheimer’s. This year I’m going to be true to the term “The Longest Day”, which occurs on the longest day of the year, and hike for 24 hours straight (minus some breaks to do things like eat).

So on June 21st, after saying goodbye to my wife Cristina and my daughter Pepper, I will walk out my front door and hike for 24 hours towards the Pacific Crest Trail at Snoqualmie Pass. The hike to the pass is roughly 40 miles, so I will probably end up doing a bit hiking along the PCT as well. At the very least I will make it to the pass, even if it takes more than 24 hours.

Since I will have cell coverage a majority of the time I will be live blogging my hike, posting video updates at least every hour. I have a lot of ideas I’m still working through, such as taking questions as I hike, sharing what music I’m listening to and more. Check back often, or better yet subscribe to my blog, to follow along as all the details come together and watch as I hike for 24 hours straight!

In the meantime, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association by clicking here. If you want to learn about Alzheimer’s and the Alzheimer’s Association please click here.

This idea came together quickly and June 21st is just around the corner,so please share this with as many people as possible to help get the word out!!!

Thank you for reading and all your support!!