P E R S O N AL JOURNEY
Texan Finishes Six-Month Hike to Raise MS Awareness By April Brownlee
W
hen Tim Cook set out on a 2,185-mile journey in March to hike the fabled Appalachian Trail, he had no idea just how epic his adventure would be. Cook’s plan was to conquer his own personal challenge of hiking the trail while raising money in honor of his wife, Cathy, who lives with MS. The Canyon, Texas resident knew it would be tough, both physically and mentally. He knew it could be lonely. But what he didn’t count on was just how much he would learn about people. Said Tim, “It was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done physically, emotionally, financially, the works. It was really tough. I prepared myself as much as I could, but I don’t think I realized how mentally and emotionally challenging it would be. But, it was also probably the most rewarding experience I probably ever will have. I learned so much about myself and about things that are important.” After six months, Tim’s journey reached an end in September. He was 600 miles short of hiking the entire length of the trail. His 1,585-mile trek raised $11,000 for the National MS Society through the Society’s Do-ItYourself online fundraising tool, and it taught Tim a lot about life and people. “I think what made the trail for me was the people. It reconfirmed that no matter what our differences, our conflicts and our problems, we’re a nation of really good people. It was just amazing,” he said. For Tim, it was the adventure of a lifetime, but it’s not the end.
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MSConnection • WINTER 2013
“It’s a passion of ours,” Tim said. “It’s great we’ve been able to do this, but it’s just a start. I got to talk to lots of people about why I was doing this and about MS. I see us being involved in whatever way we can to continue to get that message out.”
April Brownlee is the Senior Development Manager in the Society’s Amarillo office. She can be reached at april. brownlee@nmss.org.