Ross Hayduk, an inspiring friend to – and volunteer of – the National AIDS Memorial Grove, is embarking on an incredible journey. Inspired by the life of Dr. Tom Waddell (whose name was inscribed in the Grove in 2011), Ross became a Gay Games athlete in the 2002 and 2006 events, earning medals in Track & Field and Powerlifting. After participating in a 200-mile cycling event in 2010 and a 218-mile hiking event in 2011, Ross decided to combine his passions for endurance events and fundraising by planning to hike the 2,184-mile Appalachian Trail in 2012 to benefit the National AIDS Memorial Grove.
“I decided I could either traverse the Grove 7,688 times or hike 2,184 miles along the great American trail,” Ross jokes. “But as I hike, I will have a daily reminder of the beauty of this national memorial set in the heart of Golden Gate Park.” Inspired by the message of healing, hope and remembrance, Ross is investing his personal resources, as well as six months of his life, into a long-distance hike to draw attention to HIV-related health issues.
“I believe we can overcome challenges to our health like HIV, substance abuse, and bipolar depression, especially with the support of non-profit HIV/AIDS service organizations. But we must remember those who have gone before, who did not have the breadth of services available today. The only reason I am able to hike over two thousand miles is due to the sacrifices made by those whose names are inscribed within the Circle of Friends.”
Those interested in following his hike online [and donating] may visit www.HikeRossHike.org. Beginning in March in Georgia and ending in September in Maine, Ross looks forward to the adventure of a lifetime, trusting that his efforts will bring greater awareness to the National AIDS Memorial Grove in 2012.
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