2 coasts ... 1 HOPE


On January 6th 2009, I will be flying out to LA and walking back to Boston, raising money for cancer research. The route I'm taking should take 5 months and cover roughly 3,800 miles. We will be filming the entire trip for an upcoming documentary.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Dollar Menu

After the day of rest and night of restlessness, I had to start walking again. We got out of Joshua Tree pretty early and got to the route at about 7:30. I was walking at 8 like everyday. Right out of the gate was uphill through a windy corridor. I'm getting used to it now. It soon leveled off and I was able to cover some real mileage.


By noon, I had 12 miles down and had set a goal to reach Twenty-nine Pines 7 miles away. Baby steps. I ended up walking right through the town of Joshua Tree and found out the elevation I had climbed to.



While I was walking, the guys took in the sights and shops of the town (I found out later). Guess you can only watch a guy walk for so long without going crazy.

It was a pretty uneventful day to say the least. The road stayed flat and the view stayed the same, desert nothingness to the left and right.

I want to share something with everyone. As I'm writing this blog, my friend BJ Hill is finishing his trek across America. He has been walking in the dark and cold of Boston to get done today. Check out his adventure, WalkAmerica2008. Way to go BJ, I look forward to seeing you back in Boston when I finish sometime in April/May.

I also want to share an email from a family friend I received a day ago. I left the names out, so I hope they don't mind.

Jesse, just recently found out what you have been up to. I read the blog its great. I'm so proud. In a non condescending way. I just finished a severe dose of radiation 6 months ago. I'm cancer free and feeling better but my friends 1 year old just went through severe brain cancer and although better remains totally blind. Keep up the good work, those of us who don't have the strength or stamina to do what you are doing will forever be greatfull, cherish the sights you see for the little girl i mentioned. Her name is Sophia and we'll be praying for your safety. We hope to get a donation together soon as well.

This is why I'm doing this. Everyone of us knows someone who has cancer or knows someone who knows someone who has it. Monday morning, if you haven't already, when you get to work please tell everyone about my walk. Take the initiative and start a collection for one of the organizations on my blog. If everyone we know gives at least $1 we will make a difference. How many people do you know? And how many do they know? That's a lot of people. ONE DOLLAR.

Every minute someone dies from cancer. Since I started this walk roughly 17,280 people have lost their battle with this disease. It's time to do something.

Day 10 total: 23.1
Jesse Walks America total: 168.4
Poll total: 64.4

2 comments:

Steven said...

you continue to be an inspiration to many people. is the pack working better than the stroller? wish i was right by your side looking at those uneventful views...lol.. more snow here today.. baby steps and short term goals. have fun.

Kristin said...

Take a deep breath and a step forward and know that you are making a difference.
Amelia sends love and kisses.(actually she stood on her tiptoes to kiss the picture of you and Carl on the computer)