Three Vikings will run in 50 states
to fight Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
to fight Alzheimer's, Parkinson's
Posted by
-
Tue, Apr 18, 2006
- [
Men's Cross Country
] - Viewed 1393 times
MOUNT BERRY, Ga….Cross country has taken on a new meaning for three Berry College runners. Instead of hitting the trails, this summer they will hit the road in an RV traveling to all 50 states in 80 days. This will be their first endeavor for their newly formed non-profit organization, GetLost Now.
While running and traveling across the country, they will speak at clubs and organizations in order to raise money for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. They will promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle through getting lost in one's surroundings.
The goal of GetLost Now is to raise $1 million by June 1st. These funds will support the students in their journey, as well as provide for a philanthropic endowment that will fund medical and nursing scholarships as well as grants for the Alsheimer’s Association and Parkinson Foundation.
“In my experience I have never encountered a group who was so fearless in setting such a high goal,” said Freda Stephenson, of the North Georgia Regional Office of the Alzheimer’s Association. “However, I want them to be encouraged; it is unusual but not impossible.”
The GetLost Now team will find motivation for their efforts from their own families. Both Newton’s and Harrison’s grandparents are a part of the six million Americans living with these diseases, according to statistics provided by the Alzheimer’s Association and Parkinson Foundation.
“It was hard for me to see my grandmother suffer from Alzheimer’s and go from a fully capable person to not enjoying the basic activities of everyday life,” said Newton, co-founder of GetLost Now. “I want to give people ways they can try new things and encourage them to continue and make time for those they already enjoy.”
Juniors Ryan Harrison and Adam Newton created the organization after taking a wrong turn during a long run. While discussing their summer plans the runners had the idea of taking a road trip with a purpose. After finishing their two-hour run in the cold March rain, they had fully developed their vision for GetLost Now.
They then recruited teammate Laurie Cook to travel with them to handle communications and publicity. “This trip is everything that I love doing, wrapped up in one summer. What’s a better way to start life after college?” said Cook.
A fourth friend will join the traveling squad to manage video and website development, while several other Viking runners will assist the team in the planning process.
On June 1, they will embark on their difficult journey, and if all goes well, they will finish their trip in Rome the day before classes resume for the fall semester.
When asked about the likelihood of GetLost Now reaching its goal, Stephenson replied, “Realistic for some people, no. However, for these [students] I think it is very doable.”
For more information on GetLost Now and the 50 state journey this summer, visit www.getlostnow.org
…berryvikings…