Scott's Hike for Discovery

More photos from the Hike for Discovery in the Smoky Mountains

2008-10-10T15:46:00.000-05:00

Hike at Smoky's completed

2008-09-30T12:15:00.002-05:00

This past weekend I completed my Hike at the Smoky Mountains. It was a great weekend and I am proud to have helped contribute to the raising of $600,000 for blood cancer research and patient services.

Thank you to all who helped and supported me along the way this year.

It has been a crazy summer

2008-08-18T08:29:00.003-05:00

I have been busy fundraising and resting. I know the last part there might seem odd since I should be training. Well...a couple of weeks back on one of our hikes, the dirt snake bit me and I went down with a sprained ankle. So wanting to be able to complete my hike in September, I thought it best to rest the ankle and take a break from the hiking.

This week I am ready to get back on the trial and will be working hard. I have been strengthing it at the gym by doing some low impact exercises and trying to keep my endurance up.

I have also been busy fundraising. In the past two weeks I have raised over $300 doing bucket drives at a grocery store, video store and most recently at the Woodward Dream Cruise. For the Cruise, I'd like to recognize Marty O'Neill, State Farm Agent. He let me set up shop outside his office parking lot in Ferndale. If you need insurance or thinking of changing give him a call - (248) 542-7770 or visit his site www.statefarm.com/apps/agentLoc/AgentInformation.asp?na=US&st=22&ofc=7197.

Two months until Smoky Mountains

2008-07-20T21:52:00.002-05:00

Well, I've made it half way in the training. We completed a 4 hour hike this past Saturday at Island Lake. It was hot, humid and very buggy - and I am looking for the 4.5 hour hike next week.

I have been doing ok in my fundraising, but I could be doing better. For all those that have donated, I appreciate it very much. And those who still want to, but haven't there is time. You can donate online at the link to the right.

Enjoy the photos!

Been a while

2008-06-16T06:28:00.003-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks - almost a month - since I last posted. In that time I have started training for the hike in September.

I started with a hike in Ohio at Hocking Hills. What a beautiful area. Then the HFD team hikes started with an outing at Paint Creek, Island Lake and this past weekend at Highland Rec. Area.

So far we've had to deal with heat, bugs, and downed trees. I think this summer will be fun and I am looking forward to it. Here are some photos from the past couple of hikes.

I am at it again - Hike for Discovery 2008

2008-05-12T06:59:00.003-05:00

I have decided to join the Leukemia @ Lymphoma Society for another Hike For Discovery. This time my training will take place throughout the summer with a nice fall hike at the Smokey Mountains.

Please feel free to make donations at http://pages.hikefordiscovery.org/mi/Smokey108/sredding

I look to raise over $3,000 this time - as always your donation is tax deductible and at least 75 cents of every dollar raised goes back to research, patient services and education. Help me to help find a cure for blood cancers!

Big Trees, El Capitain and Panorama Trail

2007-06-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

My roots are showing.
My Capitan, My Capitan
Is the current too fast to go swimming?
Ric and I at the end...two original HFD hikers complete another hike!

Yosemite completed!

2007-06-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

I am back and recovering from an awsome weekend at Yosemite. It was just as amazing a weekend as last year at the Grand Canyon. The inspiration that all the Honored Hero's have given all that hiked. As a group from Michigan we raised over $180,000. I came up a bit short on my goal, but raised over $4,100.

This couldn't have been accomplished if it weren't for the many donor's out there who kindly donated to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in order to help find a cure for blood cancers and to support patients that have blood cancers.

Sad News

2007-06-09T12:21:00.001-05:00

As you know this is my second year participating in Hike for Discovery. A week from today I will be in Yosemite reaping the benefits from all my hard training the last five months.

But it will be bitter sweet to say the least. It's with a heavy heart that I go, Jan Fallat, my honored hero from last year passed away on June 3. She was 57 years old and lived a pretty full life. She had a wonderful husband Dr. Larry Fallat and two daughters (I only knew Katie). She will be missed here but will be with all who she has touched and waiting for them in heaven.

So, next Saturday as I hike in one of America's most beautiful places, I will be thinking very much of Jan and knowing she is in a beautiful place as well and at peace.

Pontiac Lake hike

2007-05-05T14:45:00.000-05:00

It was a beautiful day on the trail at Pontiac Lake. Sunny, warm and lots of bikers.

Missed updates

2007-05-05T14:40:00.000-05:00

Here are some photos from a recent hike at Highland Rec. Area.

Brighton State Rec Area

2007-04-15T12:01:00.000-05:00

The weather on this hike actually held off and it turned out to be a nice day...if you consider still hiking in low 30 degree weather in the middle of April nice. We hiked for 4 hours. Next week will be our assessment hike, which will help determine the hike we take at Yosemite.

This coming week is the Mongolian Grill guest grilling fundraiser - 4/18 6-8 pm

Bachelor Auction that Steve Assmann will be participating in and I will be emceeing. This fundraiser is for Michelle and Kathryn who are two other mentors. Thursday, 4/19 6 pm at Pi in Southfield. $25 tix in advance -- tickets can be purchased at the door.

Maybury State Park

2007-03-24T20:13:00.000-05:00

Spring has sprung. It was a balmy 45 degrees when we started out this morning for four hours. We hiked at Maybury State Park.

Tomorrow is the Euchre Tournament. I think we will have a pretty full house.

Holly was nice

2007-03-18T20:24:00.000-05:00

Although the cold has come back into Michigan, the hike this past Saturday was rather pleasant. I am unsure of the total distance (est. between 9 and 11 miles) but we did hike for 3.5 hours. The shamrock cookies Christine supplied were perfect.

On Sunday I participated in a bucket drive, which was really successful in the time we were there. Next Sunday is the Euchre tournament. Should be a good time.

Fundraising update

2007-03-11T21:34:00.000-05:00

Well, the donations continue to come in. I participated in a very successful event today with Dick and Charlotte again. After today's event and the recent donations I am almost to the $2,000 mark. Thank you all for your kind donations and support.

Island Lake trails icy and we needed to take the road more traveled

2007-03-11T21:29:00.000-05:00

Trails were icy. Hiked the paved trail from the trailhead to Kensington Metro Park and back making it between 9 and 10 miles. It was the warmest day yet for us and we all completed it in our alloted 3 hours.

Bald Mountain 3/3/07

2007-03-04T19:17:00.000-05:00

This week we hiked at Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion. We did the same trail last year, but it was in April and much nicer of a day out. Although it was close to 30 degrees, the wind kept it a bit cooler. The trail wasn't too bad with snow, maybe ankle deep. Compared to the Stony Creek hike which was deeper.

Fundraising event at Detroit Ignition

2007-03-04T19:04:00.000-05:00

Last week - Charlotte, Dick and myself worked the crowd at the Detroit Ignition indoor soccer game for a 50/50 raffle on Sunday. We collected $532 in two periods! Why to go! This fundraiser helped me go over the $1,000 mark.

The night before I worked the bar at the Monsignor Clement Kern Knights of Columbus Vegas Night. I made over $40 in tips, just serving up beer.

Missing in Action

2007-03-04T18:23:00.000-05:00

I have been missing in action lately on my blog. You can see why.

Fundraising update

2007-02-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

I have past $800 so far in my fundraising towards my $4,500 goal. Thank you all for your kind support. I do have some upcoming events to keep an eye on. One is the following:

Euchre Tournament Benefit

$25 entry fee
(includes pizza, pasta and salad buffet)

Five tournaments of 16 players

80 player limit

1st Place guaranteed pay-out

50/50 raffle

Silent Auction

Beer Specials

When: Sunday, March 25, 2007
1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Knockouts, 36980 Ford Rd., Westland, MI
Why: Support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Hike for Discovery program

More info or guaranteed reservations: (734) 394-0599

Special thanks to the Tomei Family for graciously donating their restaurant for this great cause.

Hike Four - Stony Creek

2007-02-17T21:19:00.000-05:00

Hiked for about 1:45. It was a difficult hike in some parts. Not due to the terrain (it was pretty flat most of the time) but due to the amount of ungroomed snow. With close to 10 inches of snow falling earlier this week and the temperatures in sub-freezing range, none melted. The group I was in hiked for 3 miles, but it seemed longer than that.

Afterwards, I met with some hike buddies from last year, Pam and Lori, for a late breakfast. Always good to see those ladies.

I forgot my camera at home...so the pictures are not as good from the phone.

Hike Three - Waterloo in Chelsea

2007-02-13T06:50:00.000-05:00

It was a bit warmer then week 2, but not much. It took us a little while to get started, so the standing around chilled me out, taking longer for my core to warm up. Once it did I was as warm as can be. We hiked around 7 miles with both hills and flat areas. It was a very pretty park, plus we saw some cross country skiiers. I think I will go back again without snow.

Week two - that was also the tempature

2007-02-03T15:51:00.000-05:00

2 degrees, close to -10 degree windchill. That was what we experienced this morning. All things considered a very good turn out, no frostbite cases and we all seemed to have a good time. (Hand warmers are better than sliced bread.)

First weeks training group photo at Paint Creek Trail

2007-02-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

First training completed

2007-01-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

On 1/26 there was a decent turn out for the the first hike. Although it was around 35 degrees, the wind made it feel a bit chillier (not as cold as last year when we were at Paint Creek Trail). This coming week is the first of many "group" meetings for my group of hikers. We will be starting to plan a group fundraiser. More to come later.

One week until training starts

2007-01-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

Next Saturday will be the first of many training hikes for Yosemite in June. I am looking forward to it. Meeting new people and reconnecting with many who experienced the Grand Canyon with me last year.

I've already started fundraising and am off to a good start. I am getting some help this year from a friend who is a Creative Memories Unit Leader. Please visit her link on the right to find out more about Creative Memories and what they offer. I can't think of a better partnership as I raise funds to help ensure memories for people with blood cancers, my memories which will last a lifetime and the memories I hope to share with you through this experience.

Keep checking back often for more updates and pictures from the hikes.

Donation information

2007-01-07T20:04:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to be participating in another Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Hike for Discovery event -- an adventure fundraising program that benefits the LLS, to help find a cure for blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease.

As you remember last year I raised funds for the LLS in their inaugural Hike for Discovery program. I raised over $3,700 and the rest of the Michigan group raised over a quarter million for research, support groups, educational programs and financial planning for afflicted families.

This year I am looking to raise over $4,000. While fundraising I will be training to hike at Yosemite National Park on June 16, 2007. All the while I’ll be thinking of the more than 110,000 new cases of blood cancers which will be diagnosed nationwide this year alone; some 55,100 patients will die.

This year I don’t have one particular Honored Hero; instead I have decided to participate in honor of people I know, and the ones that you know, that are fighting their battle with blood cancers. People like Jeff Newton, who I hiked with last year; Jan Fallat, my Honored Hero of last year who is still in need of a bone marrow transplant; a former co-worker who lost her battle with leukemia over six years ago.

I need your help to reach my fundraising goal. Every dollar you donate is tax deductible and at least 75 cents of it goes directly toward research and patient services in Michigan.

You can make a donation online at the donation link on the right. Please come back here often to see updates and photos as I train, which starts the last weekend of January.

Please feel free to share this Web site and the donation information with your friends, family or colleagues. Thank you in advance for your support. The patients, families and I appreciate your efforts in helping to find a cure for blood cancers.

A new year and a new adventure

2007-01-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

It's official! I am participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Hike for Discovery 2007. This year the LLS is offering not only a hike at the Grand Canyon, but also at Yosemite National Park, which is where I will be June 14-17, 2007.

I will have my new donation page up in the next couple of weeks as I get more information. Hope all had a Happy New Year and I look forward to sharing this years adventure with you.

New adventure

2006-08-26T16:37:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have posted anything on here, thought I would catch up. I have been keeping active this summer. Gone on a few hikes both down here in southeast Michigan and more up North. I need to keep in shape because I want to participate in Hike for Discovery again next year...at Yosemite National Park.

To keep in shape I have decided to walk in the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Half Marathon on Oct. 29. I have certainly walked the 13 miles, now I need to work on walking them non-stop.

Keep an eye for updates for my progress as well as my final time on Oct. 29.

On Top of the World

2006-06-05T19:16:00.000-05:00

2006-06-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

2006-06-05T19:07:00.000-05:00

Grand Canyon update

2006-06-05T18:56:00.000-05:00

Got home last night around 9 pm. Had to unpack and go to bed for work today, so that's why the Canyon update is a day behind.

All I can really say is WOW! What an amazing weekend. Here it is in a nutshell...
Thursday morning fly to Pheonix, rest for the hike.

Friday drive by bus to the Grand Canyon (4 hours away) have lunch in beautiful Sedona. Stop at the Canyon for a half hour to catch a quick glimpse. Have an inspirational dinner with a speech from a cancer survivor and find out the grand total of money raised -- $240,000 Michigan; $800,000 the five states there this past weekend; and $3.3 millon total from the five weekends that Hike for Discovery happened.

Saturday get up at 3:30 am to have breakfast and have gear checked for 5:30 bus ride to the Canyon. Hiked 8 miles/7 hours along the rim of the Canyon experiencing breathtaking views of this wonder, along with California Condors. Many photos were taken, but I truly believe the beauty and awe we get when seeing photos is nothing compared to it up close and personal.

This was all worth it and I look forward to sharing my photos and even my next adventure with you all (think Yosemite).

Last group hike before the Canyon

2006-05-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

This Saturday we completed our last group hike. We hiked between 6 and 7 hours and ended with a group BBQ. The past four months have been full of many ups and downs (like the hills and the tempature), hearing many reasons people are particpating in this journey and making new friends and acquintances.

Please enjoy photos of these people I have spent almost every Saturday with from the first weekend in Feb. Check back during the weekend of June 1. I will be posting photos and updates from the Grand Canyon.

D-Day (Donation Day)

2006-05-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

Today was the day my donations had to be in...I made my minimum donation of $3,700. Thank you all for your donations, kind words and your own personal stories. I will think of you all along with Jan and the other honored heros that we are hiking for. If you feel you would like to still support my Hike for Discovery donations can still be made at www.active.com/donate/hfdmi/hfdsredding

I will have and update on our last group hike this Saturday at Pickney State Recreation Area. It will be seven hours just like the hike in the Grand Canyon on June 3.

Cold and rainy...even on the golf course

2006-05-13T17:53:00.000-05:00

This week was the Lambda Chi Alpha Iota Psi Alumni Golf Outing. Not as many brothers showed up as last year, but a good time was had by all. I even walked away with $200.00 towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Thank you all for supporting me on this adventure. Oh, my foursome was 4 under and we didn't win.

Next week is the last of the group hikes. Then it's Memorial Day...a few days later off to the Grand Canyon for the big hike. I will have internet access while gone, so please check back throughout the weekend of June 1 for updates.

Less than a month and ready to go

2006-05-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

Well, in less than a month I will have completed my "Hike for Discovery." I feel after yesterday's hike I am pretty prepared. We hiked for over 5 hours at Highland Recreation Area. Along the way we saw the Boy Scouts, a small patch of Morel Mushrooms and some horses.

The night before we had a group fundraiser at Wise Guys comedy club. We had a good turnout. Also during the week I had a pizza fundraiser at work and raised $153. My total is now at $2,700 -- I have a week and a half to try and get the remaining $1,000.

I will not be hiking this coming weekend, so my last hike update will be after the group hike on May 20 at Pickney Recreation Area.

Rally Weekend

2006-04-30T18:06:00.000-05:00

I didn't participate in the group hike this week due to a Road Rally that my Leadership class was hosting. The money raised went to two of Canton's youth programs -- Growth Works and the B.L.O.C.K. The rally was very successful and all that particapated had a great time.

I did get in a 4 mile hike at Lyon Oaks early Saturday morning. And my fundraising is winding down. I am looking to have a pizza fundraiser this week at work and this coming Friday is the comedy night at Wise Guys in Novi.

I have two weeks left for fundraising if you have already donated I thank you and look forward to sharing my experience with you after the hike.

What a difference two months make

2006-04-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks hike started the same place as the really cold hike of week 3, Paint Creek Trail. This time we went in the other direction and ended up in Bloomer Park. What a real nice park. A majority of the trail ran along the river and at one point there was a nice resting spot by a waterfall. Which on the other side of the waterfall is Yates Cider Mill. Too bad it wasn't Oct. I could have gone for some fresh cider and donuts.

Oh we also went up and down a set of steps that could possibly put a stadium to shame. But we did it and my hamstrings are sore today.

If you haven't already, please let me know if you want tickets to the comedy show on May 5 at Wise Guys in Novi. I am around $2,200 -- $1,500 short of my minimum and almost half way to my goal of $5,000. Keep the donations coming, I have until May 16. Thanks for all your support.

Tax Day...or at least the bugs were taxing

2006-04-16T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today was the nicest day for our hikes yet. It was sunny, it was warm and I think my boots are finally broken in. The bad part was the bugs. The were just as excited to be out in the warmth as we were and they let us know.

At the beginning of our hike we had to do a step test to see how high our heart rate would go and then recover. I am still a kicking so I did very well, except being winded. Next week we will be out in Rochester at Bloomer Park.

As a fundraiser update I have broken the $2,100 amount -- almost halfway to my goal and just a bit shy of my minimum. Thanks and keep the support coming.

Comedy Night May 5, at Wise Guys in Novi

2006-04-12T06:24:00.000-05:00

As many of you know I have done some stand-up over the past year or so. And since comedy is one thing that I love, I am pleased to announce that the small group I am part of is having a comedy fundraiser. The best part is you don't have to hear my jokes! (though if you want to I can email you some clips from the past)

The event will take place on Friday May 5, 8 PM at Wise Guys Comedy Club in Novi. It is inside the Manhatten Club on Grand River. The tickets are $12.00 and you can get 25% off of Dinner and/or 50% off of appetizers during the show!!!

You can either post a comment or email me, scredding@hotmail.com if you would like to purchase some tickets. It will be a fun evening for a great cause...the Leukemia & Lymphoma Hike for Discovery!

Bald Mountain Recreation Area

2006-04-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

This Saturday we were in Lake Orion at Bald Mountain. On the way there I saw some deer enjoying their breakfast (I'm sure they were laughing at me for being out there so early). The hike was one of the most enjoyable yet. Although a bit chilly out, the sun really warmed us up. We hiked between 4 and 4.5 hours. This week and next week are the hikes which will help determine the trial I will hike once at the Grand Canyon.

I have broken the $2,000 mark. And look towards getting to $3,000 in the next couple of weeks. I have about a month or so left to reach at least my minimum of $3,700 but look to reaching the whole $5,000 by the end of May.

Update...no hiking for me this past weekend

2006-04-02T17:43:00.000-05:00

I don't have any new photos or what the condition was hiking on Saturday. I didn't hike. After last weeks hike I aggrevated something in my ankle causing the me to wear what I refer to as "The Boot." This is that wonderful think you see on people that looks like a walking cast, but it isn't. I wore it all week to help with some soreness and pain. I am ready to saddle up, so to speak, for next week though.

I do have some donation updates. I recently held a pop can drive -- it didn't turn out as successful as I would have wanted it to, but every bit helps. Also, Thanks to the Sobell's I went over the $1,500 mark -- only $2,200 from my minimum and $3,500 from my goal. I have lot to do in the next month and a half.

Speaking of that, on May 5 there will be a comedy show as a fundraiser for my group. It will be held at Wise Guys in Novi. More details to come...

Kensington and Island Lake Part 2

2006-03-26T17:33:00.000-05:00

This week we were both at Kensington Metro Park and Island Lake State Park. They connect via a path under the freeway. We hiked for 4.5 hours. The title of this adventure is "Hike for Discovery," which is is what we did on Saturday. Once we got on the trial at Island Lake we ran across a coyote. Yes you read that correct, I did leave one thing out, it was dead. Jeff our hunter in the group determined that it hadn't been dead for a long time.

Jeff by the way is one of the groups Honored Hero's. He is in remission from Acute ProMyelocytic Leukemia. He is a Frazier policeman and fellow Ferris graduate. His son, John, is also hiking.

Did I mention it snowed again during the hike. According to weather.com next weekend is suppose to be warmer. Whick will be nice for our 5 hour hike.

Orion Oaks

2006-03-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

Today was a nice day on the trial. It started off a bit cold -- 12 degree windchill -- but sunny. We hiked for 4 hours through some really nice secenary. As you can see we also were by a lake. The one picture where you don't see me is of the small group I was with today on a quick break for some water and trial snacks.

Hopefully next week it will be a bit warmer and spring comes soon. The training has been good, but it won't be cold in June while in the Grand Canyon.

Brighton Recreation Area

2006-03-11T14:19:00.000-05:00

Today we hiked at Brighton State Park. It was just amazing going through the trails. We saw some buds starting on a few of the trees and it was nice to be out in a little warmer weather. I think when it was all said and done we hiked between eight and nine miles and it was a lot of up and down.

I have made the first deadline with all my supporters help. The Leukemia & Lymphomia Society had a goal of $500 by last week and $750 by March 21. I am above both those, so thank you all so far for your donations.

Looking forward to next week at another new area for me Orion Oaks.

And if you are downtown tomorrow at the St. Patrick Day parade or out and about on Friday and someone wants you to buy a "Drink Strong" band, do it. The money is going to a good cause...Leukemia & Lymphomia Society.

Couple of updates

2006-03-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

I don't have any information on last weekends hike, I have been battling a bad cold. I feel I will be up and ready for this coming weeks 3.5 hour excursion at Brighton Rec. Area. Last night I learned about hydration and food for the hike. We will have to bring 120oz. of water when in the Grand Canyon. This week I will be hiking with all 120oz. to start to get use to carrying a pack.

I also recently got a digital camera, so the photos will be more plentiful and maybe a bit better (so I don't look like the abomidable snow man). Though this weekend it is suppose to be close to 60 degrees. What a difference a week or two makes -- a few hours actually in Michigan.

A note on the donation front, I am alsmost to $1,200. I won a 50/50 raffle and am putting my "50" towards the hike.

Don't forget to check out my links to the right, especially the donation if you haven't yet. I appreciate any support, even if it is moral.

Donation update

2006-02-25T12:44:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Gail and Larry Hoelscher I have gone over the $1,000 mark. I will have some upcoming fundraisers that you can find out about right here...March Madness is coming up so get ready.

2006-02-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

This week we were at Island Lake Recreation. We hiked the yellow trial which is a 6 mile loop. I completed it in under 2.5 hours.

I was thinking while winding through trees, going past some streams and open fields, in our hectic busy day we forget about the beauty and nature that is right in our backyards. We don't need to go up North to get away and enjoy mother earth. In the four weeks I have been out training with the rest of the Hike for Discovery group we have been to some great places and there are more yet to come.

On some weekend or even on a weeknight that Lost or the Donald isn't on, go to a metro park or one of the area's State parks and just enjoy nature it helps with the stress.

Hike Week 3

2006-02-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

I am writing this on Monday...I've finally unthawed enough to type.

The two hour hike was at Paint Creek Trail in Rochester. When we started out at a few past 8 am it was 3 degrees Fahrenheit -- wind chill somewhere around -5 degrees. I stayed warm for the entire time. However, my camelback froze.

Last Friday was my last day at Oakwood Healthcare System, and I want to recognize my co-workers for sending me off with $300 towards my goal. Thank you for your support.

Article in Canton Observer

2006-02-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

Today the Canton Observer ran a real nice piece about my efforts. Read the article here.

2006-02-16T05:43:00.000-05:00

Group photo from our weekly hike at Kensington on 2/11/06.

Hike Week 2

2006-02-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

Today's hike was 1.5 hours and in the snow.

We were suppose to get some flurries and cold. It was more than flurries. I decided to break in my new boots. I must have done good work ahead of time, because I don't have any blisters. My ankle, which I recently had an outpatient procedure on, didn't hurt at all.

I am looking forward to next weeks hike of 2 hours.

Hike for Discovery introduction

2006-02-09T22:18:00.000-05:00

This is the first of many posts I wish to share with you regarding my upcoming Hike in the Grand Canyon.

Right now I am busy training for a spring hike in the Grand Canyon. Over the next few months, through rain or shine, I’ll be hiking many, many miles – and steep miles at that – to prepare for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Hike for Discovery,” a Grand Canyon adventure set for June 3, 2006.

Hike for Discovery is a nonprofit adventure fundraising program that benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I’ve set my sights higher than just training to hike into the canyon. I also aim to raise at least $5,000 to help find a cure for blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma and Hodgkin’s disease.

The money I raise will pay for support groups, educational programs and financial planning for afflicted families. It will also fund grants for local researchers at the University of Michigan and Children’s Hospital of Michigan whom are working toward better treatments and a cure. Their efforts are critical, because blood cancers kill more children in the Untied States than any other cancer and strike even more adults. An estimated 110,960 new cases of blood cancers will be diagnosed nationwide this year alone; some 55,100 patients will die.

I am not only looking to raise funds, I am participating in honor of a leukemia patient. Her name is Jan Fallat and is the wife of my doctor as well as a fellow parishioner at my church. Her story is very moving in that during her remission of breast cancer she was diagnosed with leukemia. As she progresses in her disease the need for a bone marrow transplant is her only hope to survival. By hiking in her honor and raising funds I hope to make a difference for her as well as other current and future leukemia patients.

Though I can do training, I need your help to reach me fundraising goal. Every dollar you donate is tax deductible, and at least 75 cents of it goes directly toward research and patient services in Michigan.

Please go to the following Web page – www.active.com/donate/hfdmi/hfdSRedding – and you can make a credit card donation. If you could donate $40 that would be great, however any amount you are able to donate is welcome. Please feel free to share with your friends, family or colleagues. Thank you in advance for your support. The patients, families and I appreciate your efforts in helping to find a cure for blood cancers.

Please check back often to this site and I will start posting pictures, thoughts and updates on my training.