Tag: Alzheimer’s

24 Hours of Hiking!

Toby 1 Comment

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!!

Donate, Support or Bet

Toby 1 Comment

One of the great things about doing something as crazy as hiking the entire Pacific Crest Trail is that I can leverage it to raise money for a cause that means a great deal to me personally. Today, over 35 million people across the world are living with Alzheimer’s, including more than 5 million Americans and a member of my family. In the U.S. alone, more than 15 million caregivers generously dedicate themselves to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia, including my Mom.

To honor those those affected by Alzheimer’s disease I am participating in The Longest Day to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Don’t let the name fool you, my hike will span many days and many of them will seem very, very long, I’m fundraising for the entire thing, not just a single day. Keep this in mind when you’re making your donation. I set a very modest goal of $2,650, the approximate distance of the Pacific Crest Trail in miles, as I know there are a number of very good causes that need your support.  However, keep in mind that I’m hiking 2,650 miles in support of this cause. What’s the going rate for a mile these days? Let me do the math for you. The first one is easy, $1 a mile would be $2,650 (do it), $0.50 a mile would be $1,325, $0.25 a mile would be $662.5 and finally $0.10 a mile would be $265.  Seriously though, anything you can contribute would be greatly appreciated, even if it’s just a penny a mile ($26.50) or $5.

Click Here To Make Your Donation

Secondly, if after you have made your donation to support the Alzheimer’s Association you have a few bucks you want to throw my way to directly support me on my journey you can do so by clicking here. A few bucks for a greasy burger or a night in even the sleaziest roadside motel will mean a lot. I’ll even send you something from my journey (most likely a print of one of my photos taken along the way) in return for your contribution if you like.

Thirdly, if you think i’m absolutely nuts and there is no way I’m ever going to finish the entire Pacific Crest Trail, lets make a bet. Seriously.  Feel free to contact me and I will gladly make that bet with you.

Finally, please share this and encourage others to donate. The direct link to my Longest Day page is http://act.alz.org/goto/further . Thank you!!