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Welcome My name is Jim
Hickey.
In early July, 2008 I will attempt a 4th walk across America for Cancer Research
in memory of my father, whom I lost in September of 1995 to prostate cancer. Six
months after I lost my dad, my brother--at age 41--was also diagnosed with
prostate cancer and had successful surgery in September of 1996. I am also
promoting Cystic Fibrosis Research in honor of a 10 year old North Carolina girl
named Victoria (my personal hero!).
My first attempt to walk across the country started April 30th, 1998 in
Middletown, NY and ended July 30th 2001 in Clovis, NM after walking 2,154 miles.
My second time around, I began walking September 5th, 2001 in Washington, DC and
ended June 5th 2003 in Denver, CO after walking 2,282 miles.
My third try began November 30th, 2003 in Virginia Beach, VA and ended November
30th, 2004 in Hoppkinsville, KY after 1,101 miles. In all I walked 5,537 miles
across America to promote cancer research awareness.
I supported myself through 20 jobs along the way, help from the Fraternal Order
of Eagles, the American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose (I am a member of
all three and a former U.S. Marine), and the sale of T-shirts on my third try
and now the fourth. I'm still looking for the one sponsor who'll help me make it
the whole way.
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I was able to dedicate portions of my walk to 16 children and one family who I
heard needed help along the way, so I used my walk as a platform to help them. I
spoke to over 30 schools, elementary through college, and encouraged students to
make a difference in whatever is close to their hearts; to follow their dreams
and not to ever give up. Sports teams were also helpful to the cause including
the Colorado Avalanche, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Atlanta Braves, the
Charlotte Checkers and the Huntsville Stars.
I gave up everything I had in order to do these walks which I did alone with a
50 lb. backpack and, aside from 400 miles, with no trail vehicle, which is what
stopped my previous three attemps. That and having no permanent sponsor made it
so I'd have to cross the desert alone.
***I am crazy, but not THAT crazy***
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I take no donations for cancer research myslef; instead I'm asking people to
visit www.curesearch.org or www.cityofhope.org for cancer and the Boomer Esiason
Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis. Although I don't belong to either organization,
I prefer those three. Any other organization that is close to your heart will be
just as fine. Please don't forget to mention Jim Hickey's Walk Across America
when donating. Also, ESPN will do a story on my walk along the way.
You will be able to keep track of my walk here at www.cancerwalkusa.com.
Thank you for your help in finding a cure for cancer step by step!
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