Ted and I crossing over the footbridge in North Adams, MA this morning to begin our adventure on the AT.  Thanks for being a part of it…

My first day of the Epic Hike will be on Saturday, June 17th, and I promise to do the best I can do on the Appalachian Trail (AT).  I have been a hiker for many years, and that is why I am choosing to hike to raise awareness for ALS and funds for ALS research.  I intend to write a blog every day, or as often as I can so you can stay up to date on how I am doing.

ALS has affected my speech, swallowing, the left side of my body, and my balance, so I am unsure how I will do on all 600 miles of the AT from Mt. Greylock in MA to Mt. Katadhin in ME.  I have climbed all the highest peaks in New England, so I know what to expect and I have good friends accompanying me to hike.

My goal is to raise $50,000 for ALS ONE, so please share my website with others.  My employer, Bank of America, has given me 8 weeks of paid leave to complete the hike.  I want to thank Bank of America for all they have done for me.

Rick Marks