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
$500
Top supporter
Sponsor
Brad Hobbs
Jun 15, 2026
$500
Top supporter
Sponsor
Olivet Presbyterian Church
Jun 15, 2026
$500
Top supporter
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Rodney Sedwick
Jun 15, 2026
$400
Top supporter
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David Hamer
May 16, 2026
$300
Top supporter
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David And Kelly Johnston
Feb 10, 2026
$300
Top supporter
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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
Top supporter
Sponsor
George Hoke
Jun 17, 2026
$300
Top supporter
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Mike And Donna Johnston
Feb 10, 2026
Great job with this event, thank you for doing this.
$250
Top supporter
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Richard Park
Jun 15, 2026
$250
Top supporter
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Tripp Leonard
Jun 15, 2026
$250
Top supporter
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Karen Anderson
Jun 16, 2026
$250
Top supporter
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Gaurav "g" Shrestha
Jun 16, 2026
$250
Top supporter
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Anonymous
Jun 15, 2026
$250
Top supporter
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Barrs 87
Jun 02, 2026
$200
Top supporter
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William And Jolene Park
May 10, 2026
$200
Top supporter
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Holloways
Feb 12, 2026
$200
Top supporter
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Barbara Wilson
Feb 12, 2026
So proud of you for getting involved in this
$101
Top supporter
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Steve Watson
Jun 03, 2026
$100
Top supporter
Sponsor
Gay Wolford
May 10, 2026
In honor of my Dad Otha Taylor and friend Joan Johnston.
$100
Top supporter
Sponsor
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
Top supporter
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Rebecca Parry
May 16, 2026
Enjoy the day knowing that our loved ones are with us always!
$100
Top supporter
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Jack Crombie
Jun 15, 2026
$100
Top supporter
Sponsor
Wendy & Bill Mcclellan
Jun 15, 2026
You guys be safe and have a great time!!
$100
Top supporter
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Graham Anthony
Jun 15, 2026
Good Cause-Thank You!
$100
Top supporter
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Travis Schnell
May 28, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
thank you for this effort
$100
Top supporter
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Tom And Wendy Lovell
Jun 10, 2026
We will be with you in spirit!
$100
Top supporter
Sponsor
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
$100
Top supporter
Sponsor
Clay Cruise
May 10, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Pat Morrissey
May 28, 2026
God bless you and your family.
$100
Top supporter
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Stephanie & Andy Heintzleman
May 28, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Robert Dearnley
Jun 02, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Jim Beeman
Jun 02, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Patrick Kearns
Jun 03, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Frank Lovell
Jun 03, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
Jun 05, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Judith Hoke
Mar 29, 2026
Would love to hike on June 20th if I am able.
$100
Top supporter
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Todd And Saundra Koesters
Jun 17, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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David And Kim
Feb 12, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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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
Top supporter
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Kleins
Jun 17, 2026
Appreciate you all’s effort on this important matter- you all are planting shade trees of which you may never sit.
$100
Top supporter
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Lawrence Meli
Feb 13, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Mercer Ferguson
Jun 17, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Robert And Penny Woodberry
Jun 17, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Jennifer Rous
Jun 16, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Mark & Alisa Christensen
Feb 21, 2026
❤️
$100
Top supporter
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Steve & Anne Hiss
Jun 16, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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George Hoke
Mar 23, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Debbie Boll
Apr 02, 2026
In memory of my mom, Lynda Allanach - thank you for your advocacy!
$100
Top supporter
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The Marshall Family
Feb 11, 2026
In memory of Bill Colombell
$100
Top supporter
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Kim And Pat Wilson
Apr 14, 2026
💜
$100
Top supporter
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Anonymous
Apr 30, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Michael Wilson
Feb 11, 2026
$100
Top supporter
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Mark Fontenot
Jun 15, 2026
$87
Top supporter
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Rob Proctor
Jun 02, 2026
Hooah - Johnston Strong! LLWP!
$75
Top supporter
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Larry Wilson
Feb 12, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Albert Connette
Jun 15, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Rory Macgregor
Jun 15, 2026
Great effort Mike.
$50
Top supporter
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Brian Rotter
Jun 17, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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David Johnston
Dec 19, 2025
$50
Top supporter
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Katy And Chris Brubaker
Jun 15, 2026
$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
Top supporter
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Dana Trujillo
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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Meghan Geraghty
Apr 16, 2026
Enjoy the hike!
$50
Top supporter
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Ann Black
May 01, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Maggie Robertson
Feb 12, 2026
$50
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Anonymous
Mar 05, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Anonymous
May 15, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Jenny Mcmanus
Feb 21, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Pat And Jane Belisle
May 17, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Julie Whalen
May 17, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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Tim Ward
Feb 20, 2026
$50
Top supporter
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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.
$40
Top supporter
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Will Dirickson
May 16, 2026
Pleased to support to find a cure for this disease.
$40
Top supporter
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Kenny Baillie
Jun 05, 2026
Great job, David. Go well. Kenny
$40
Top supporter
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Simon Pavitt
Jun 05, 2026
Go DJ!
$35
Top supporter
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Carey Gerwig Jones
Feb 19, 2026
A good cause, also have this in my family. Happy hiking..
$35
Top supporter
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Anonymous
Feb 12, 2026
$35
Top supporter
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Dale Dealtrey
May 06, 2026
$35
Top supporter
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Jon Finger
May 16, 2026
Good job H!
$35
Top supporter
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Anonymous
May 21, 2026
$25
Top supporter
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Emily Rosson
May 01, 2026
$25
Top supporter
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Caitlin Kennedy
Mar 06, 2026
$25
Top supporter
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Chelsea Mcraven Feeney
Jun 16, 2026
Love this idea!
$25
Top supporter
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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
I'm only $2,102 away from my next badge. Will you help me reach it?
Donate now
Event Members
Richard Park
Raised so far
$3,000.00
Michael Wilson
Raised so far
$2,250.00
Johnston Family + Highland Growth Strategies
Raised so far
$2,218.00
Olivet Presbyterian Church
Raised so far
$1,395.00
George Hoke
Raised so far
$1,000.00
David Hamer
Raised so far
$535.00
