Good News

April 1, 2010

Cause-driven trek

Area native hikes for disabled

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

After months of preparation, Luzerne County native Dave Smith is taking his first steps this morning on the Appalachian Trail.

Smith plans to walk the 2,175-mile trail that will take him through 14 states in five months because it allows him to honor his older brother, Michael, who died in 2007 from pneumonia.

Michael, also a Luzerne County native, was a mentally challenged man who loved being outdoors. Michael inspired Dave and his wife, Pam, to work with other mentally and physically challenged individuals who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Smith’s sister, Karen Mitchell of Lake Silkworth, said she looks up to her little brother for his desire to help others by working with them directly and taking this journey to raise money for the nonprofit agency that aids mentally and physically challenged people in their enjoyment of nature.

“I have nothing but admiration for him to do what he does to help people that otherwise can’t enjoy some of these things. I just think he and his wife have a fantastic outlook and spirit,” she said.

All money Smith, 49, raises is being donated to Adaptive Sports Partners, a nonprofit agency near his New Hampshire home that teams disabled individuals with volunteers to experience nature. People can donate a flat amount or so many cents per mile.

The money raised will be used to buy mobility equipment costing $3,000 to $8,000 each to transport clients on bike rides, hikes, skiing and other outings, Executive Director Sandy Olney said.

Smith, who grew up in Hanover Township, had hoped to raise $5,000. Last week, he exceeded his goal during a fundraiser, hitting more than $5,600. “I never anticipated going over before I even started, let alone how much it has continued to go over before I even left. It is amazing the level of generosity of people, and it is going to a real worthy cause,” he said.

He now wants to see how much he can raise before he finishes the trail by climbing Maine’s Mount Katahdin in September.

The experienced hiker flew to in-laws Skip and Chris Shattler’s home in Florida on Sunday, and they are dropping him off at the Amicalola Falls State Park in Georgia, where he was to start hiking the Springer Mountains.

He encourages people to follow him on his blog, which his wife will update periodically. He also welcomes people to e-mail him and join up with him on the trail if they desire.

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