Event Details
Date and time
June 20, 2026 08:00 AM
2nd Annual Hike AT VA For ALZ Initiative
On June 20, 2026, we will meet at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center (MP 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) at 7:45 AM. Teams and hikers can choose from various distances, including a gentle one mile out and back to the trailhead, a more strenuous four mile climb/loop to Humpback Rocks and back to the Visitors Center, and the full 11-mile hike to Three Ridges Overlook at MP 13.1. We’ll hit the trail by 8:00 AM and gather back together in Charlottesville at Three Notch'd Brewery (near Ix Park) at 6:00 PM for an après-hike celebration with family, friends, and supporters.
My grandmother and mother both had Alzheimer’s. I remember watching my father care for his mother when I was a teenager—only to live through it again years later as he became my mother’s primary caregiver for seven long years. They both passed away in 2023, victims of the same cruel disease. My wife Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. Ten years later, after following a rigorous but clear treatment plan, she’s living a full, joyous life—cancer-free. I’m now investing my time, energy, and passion into the Alzheimer’s Association to honor my grandmother, mother, and father—and to help other families facing this devastating illness discover a plan of hope that can lead to a life filled with joy, even without a cure.
A few years ago, Kelly and I committed to section-hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT), a 14-state, 2,200-mile journey from Georgia to Maine, including 550 miles in Virginia. HIKE the AT in VA for ALZ combines our love of the outdoors with two bold goals: to hike the entire trail and to help rid the world of Alzheimer’s and all forms of dementia.
Our Year-Two Goals:
1. Raise a minimum total of $2,000 per mile, collectively from 11 teams and/or corporate partners + an additional $3,000 in general donations.
2. Provide Alzheimer’s education programs to employees of our corporate and organizational partners and amplify the cause through their media and marketing channels.
3. Continue to improve and create a scalable model/playbook to expand the program across Virginia and eventually the entire AT.
How to Get Involved:
1. Sponsor a Mile/Team—Form a team, raise private donations, and bring in a corporate or organizational partner. And/or, if you're a company, lead the charge and encourage employee participation.
2. Participate — Hike with us to honor a loved one impacted by Alzheimer’s, help shuttle hikers, or join the celebration at our après-hike party.
3. Donate—If you can’t form a team or join the hike, contribute to the cause by donating to the primary HIKE the AT in VA for ALZ team
Thank you to all our supporters
$400
Top supporter
Sponsor
David Hamer
May 16, 2026
$300
Top supporter
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David And Kelly Johnston
Feb 10, 2026
$300
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Roger Gildersleeve
Apr 04, 2026
I’ll probably be in Austin for Lilian’s birthday but would love to walkabout again soon.
$300
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Mike And Donna Johnston
Feb 10, 2026
Great job with this event, thank you for doing this.
$200
Top supporter
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William And Jolene Park
May 10, 2026
$200
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Barbara Wilson
Feb 12, 2026
So proud of you for getting involved in this
$200
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Holloways
Feb 12, 2026
$100
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Rebecca Parry
May 16, 2026
Enjoy the day knowing that our loved ones are with us always!
$100
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Clay Cruise
May 10, 2026
$100
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Anonymous
Apr 30, 2026
$100
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Gay Wolford
May 10, 2026
In honor of my Dad Otha Taylor and friend Joan Johnston.
$100
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Kim And Pat Wilson
Apr 14, 2026
💜
$100
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Michael Wilson
Feb 11, 2026
$100
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Debbie Boll
Apr 02, 2026
In memory of my mom, Lynda Allanach - thank you for your advocacy!
$100
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Judith Hoke
Mar 29, 2026
Would love to hike on June 20th if I am able.
$100
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George Hoke
Mar 23, 2026
$100
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Mark & Alisa Christensen
Feb 21, 2026
❤️
$100
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Margaret O'neal
May 15, 2026
In remembrance of my dear cousin Joan...I am with you all in spirit cheering you all on.
$100
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Lawrence Meli
Feb 13, 2026
$100
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
thank you for this effort
$100
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David And Kim
Feb 12, 2026
$100
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Jan Ruta
Feb 11, 2026
Thanks Michael for reaching out and helping with a cause that we know all to well in our family. Love You!
$100
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The Marshall Family
Feb 11, 2026
In memory of Bill Colombell
$100
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
Good luck in your fundraising effort Mike! What a great way to honor your Dad. We always loved the twinkle in his eye. Jb and W
$75
Top supporter
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Larry Wilson
Feb 12, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Matt And Eliza Holland
Apr 08, 2026
Great cause! Good luck!
$50
Top supporter
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David Johnston
Dec 19, 2025
$50
Top supporter
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Peter Kropf
May 15, 2026
Your dad must have been a great father and grandfather. My deepest condolences.
$50
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Anonymous
May 15, 2026
$50
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Pat And Jane Belisle
May 17, 2026
$50
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Julie Whalen
May 17, 2026
$50
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
Thank you for offering this opportunity for Olivet Church to actively support Alzheimer’s research with this program.
$50
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Ann Black
May 01, 2026
$50
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Dana Trujillo
Feb 12, 2026
$50
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Meghan Geraghty
Apr 16, 2026
Enjoy the hike!
$50
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Anonymous
Mar 05, 2026
$50
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Jenny Mcmanus
Feb 21, 2026
$50
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Tim Ward
Feb 20, 2026
$50
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Maggie Robertson
Feb 12, 2026
$40
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Will Dirickson
May 16, 2026
Pleased to support to find a cure for this disease.
$35
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Dale Dealtrey
May 06, 2026
$35
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Anonymous
Feb 12, 2026
$35
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
$35
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Jon Finger
May 16, 2026
Good job H!
$35
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Carey Gerwig Jones
Feb 19, 2026
A good cause, also have this in my family. Happy hiking..
$25
Top supporter
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Caitlin Kennedy
Mar 06, 2026
$25
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Emily Rosson
May 01, 2026
$25
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Anonymous
May 01, 2026
$20
Top supporter
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Blake Wilson
Feb 18, 2026
$20
Top supporter
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Riley Wilson
Feb 11, 2026
My achievements
First Donation
First Donation
Raised 25%
Raised 25%
Raised 50%
Raised 50%
Raised 75%
Raised 75%
Reached Goal
Reached goal
