Just a quick update on Hiker Jim, the Georgia man walking the Appalachian Trail raising awareness and money for the Foundation along the way (more than $1,000 to date).
Jim started his journey—dubbed Walk for Alley in honor of a little girl with CdLS in his hometown—in February. He had a string of bad luck at first and had to leave the trail twice for family emergencies. But, Jim didn’t give up on his dream. He is currently making his way through Virginia, having gone more than a quarter of the 2,175-mile trail, which goes from Georgia to Maine. In the process, he’s done a great job of spreading the word about CdLS. Here’s a heartwarming story from one of his trail log entries:
11 March 2007: “I arose early and requested a shuttle from Tina, theFontana Village Shuttle Driver the next morning at 7. Because of the Daylight Savings time change that evening, I was 10 minutes late for my shuttle ride and had to wait until 7:20 for a pickup. I am sometimes amazed how things work out and this is just such a situation. When I got in the van and loaded my pack and staff, Tina noticed my “Walking for Alley” shirt and asked about it. I told her about Cornelia de Lange Syndrome and its effects on children. As I did this, Tina reached for her tip cup and handed me all the money she had collected that morning for her shuttle services. She said that she had a daughter who was afflicted with another rare childhood disease and understood what CdLS families were experiencing. I graciously accepted her gift and told her that it would be much appreciated by the Foundation in Connecticut. I was humbled by this wonderful lady’s generosity and her willingness to give what little she had to the cause. It also raised my spirits that day and carried me across the Fontana Dam into my first day in the Great Smokey Mountain National Park that day”.
Safe travels Jim. -MM
3 Comments
May 28, 2007 at 8:14 pm
That’s a great story — thanks so much for giving an update on Hiker Jim. What a wonderful thing it is that he is doing.
Angela Barton
July 13, 2007 at 3:14 pm
What an incredible thing Jim is doing for CdLS. I am actually trying to fundraise in my town for CdLS and am having a hard time coming up with ideas that go beyond the suggested ones on the awareness calendar; I’m looking for ideas that really get the entire community involved and aware. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks.
July 20, 2007 at 12:32 pm
CdLSSis18,
Thank you for your enthusiasm and desire to make something happen! We certainly do have suggestions.
The staff person to contact to start or host any Foundation event is our Events Coordinator, Gail Speers. You may call her in the office (800-2238355) or email her at: awareness@cdlsusa.org.
Sis18, I have forwarded your email address to her and she will be in touch with you soon.
Thanks again,
Darrell Cookman