On May 20, 1970, my father died of cancer at the age of 61. My fifteen-year-old heart broke wide open, and I struggled to cope. That winter I joined some high school friends on a retreat in Milwaukee to learn about a walkathon fundraiser sponsored by the American Freedom from Hunger Foundation. Back in our hometown of Ashland, Wisconsin, we formed the student organizing committee for a 26 mile “Walk for Development” that occurred in May 1971. SEE PICTURES FROM THAT WALK BELOW. Our Walk was part of a nationally coordinated walkathon in which over 150,000 people participated, walking over 2,000,000 miles and raising over $1,200,000 to fight hunger that year. For me, walking with a purpose was an important step in a larger transition that included learning how to channel my grief into something meaningful.
Now I have come full circle -- walking once again -- in gratitude for my 60 years.
My son, Conor, posted pictures on Facebook if you want to see additional images of our experience.
My son, Conor, posted pictures on Facebook if you want to see additional images of our experience.
Here are some stills from an 8mm film shot the day of the 1971 Walk in Ashland, Wisconsin.