Amyloidosis‏

In 2007 my father, Dennis Blake, was diagnosed with a rare blood disease, Amyloidosis. After years of battling the disease, the correct diagnosis was finally given less then a week before he passed. Amyloidosis is a rare blood disease that can affect one or more organs when abnormal deposits of the amyloid protein are produced. It is debilitating and life threatening. The disease meant nothing to my family weeks before we first heard the word, and then it defined the rest of our lives. It is only in the last 25 years that physicians have started to understand the disease. I have been hiking the Appalachian trail for a little more then a month. Hiking 8 to 12 hours a day, I have had plenty of time to think of my father and what kind of differences I could make in his name. I would love to make this epic adventure about more then myself. The amyloidosis foundation's mission is to increase education and awareness in hopes that it will lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment. My goal is to raise $1,000 in the name of my father. I have roughly 200 miles left. Just one penny per mile adds up to $20 when I complete the trail of 2,000 miles. If anybody would like to donate a small amount per every mile I complete, then I am confident that I can reach my goal. Here are the directions and the page link for the donations: Check "In memory of" and add my father's name "Dennis Blake"

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Fredericksburg?!?

My 5 day siesta is over! Bluegrass, Squirrel, Sabertooth and I spent a long weekend back home in Fredericksburg. I got to surprise my mom for her birthday, Saber met his little niece for the first time, and we all rested our legs. We also made some changes to our gear in town and everyone was able to drop weight from there pack. Squirrel had an unfortunate accident with a knife while trying to put new tips on his trekking poles. One slip of the knife and the top of his wrist was sliced wide open! A late night visit to the emergency room lead to numerous stitches and an extra day of rest in Fredericksburg. Squirrel seems to have a way of injuring himself but he doesn't want our pity and he's ready to hit the trail again. A rainy forecast for much of the week and theres nothing we can do but strap on the rain gear and start hiking.
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2 comments:

  1. anneMay 18, 2011 at 10:40 AM

    Best Birthday ever!! and what a bonus getting to meet Bluegrass & Squirrel, i definitley get why u hike with them!! awesome guys!! love u son, keep the faith

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  2. CourtneyMay 18, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Was so good to see u and meet your fellow hikers (a.k.a. The AT Celebrities in my house) hope u all have a safe hike and keep an eye on this nasty weather, will be following u in blog, miss u bro! P.s. Found my camera ;) xoxo

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