Pass to Pass Celebrates 5 Years of Hiking Adventures

Celebrates 5 YEARS of Hiking Adventures!

A.C. Woolnough

Four summers ago an event was created to demonstrate the invincibility of the human spirit, the need for unfiltered nature, and the determination to prove the Parkinson’s community can achieve more than many believed possible. Pass to Pass was dreamt up by Bill Meyer and Ken Kisch, both avid hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who are living with Parkinson’s disease.

The vision was to hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, doing different portions each year. Hikers with Parkinson’s, support hikers, and pack animals were recruited and into the wilderness each year they go. The past four seasons have been successful in helping Parkies to achieve their dreams and overcome challenges through their trail experiences.

Below are words from some of the hikers. To read the full article about the hikers and their adventures visit www.theoutdoorevolution.com.

What did you get out of the experience?

I exercise every day and walk a lot to minimize my symptoms. I found a community of Parkies who enjoy the outdoors. We are willing to share our experiences. It is not just the hike experience, it is exercising to get ready, planning the hike, and talking together about the hikes.

What would you say to somebody considering Pass to Pass?

Go for it! This is a group of really good people, some with a great deal of experience, some not so much. However, everyone is willing to help each other, and I guarantee you will make life-long friends.

I promise you’ll enjoy it, meet some good folks, have a sense of accomplishment—and forget you have PD for a while.

If all is deemed safe, Pass to Pass 2020 will take place in late summer. Visit www.passtopass.org to learn more!

A.C. Woolnough’s day job (37 years in public education as a teacher and principal) helped prepare him for his new job as a PD warrior. As a second generation Parky, he is now an advocate, educator, writer, speaker, research subject, grant reviewer, World Parkinson Congress ambassador, support group leader, and advisory council member. It’s fair to say that he is “all in” for Parkinson’s.