By Julie Fleshman, Executive Director

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Best friends and adventurers, Todd Pew and Sarah Wilson, recently did the extraordinary by spreading the word about pancreatic cancer and the need for a cure through a more than 2,100-mile journey—a Hike for Hope for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN)—through the Appalachian Trail, a winding footpath covering 14 states.

When Pew was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he decided not to postpone his dreams any longer. Wilson said she would join, and the Hike for Hope was born. Wilson resigned her position with the New York Judicial System and Pew was on medical leave. They started the hike in April 2003 and ended the trip in June.

The Hike for Hope was certainly a personal challenge, but it was also a chance for Pew and Wilson to put the reality of pancreatic cancer and the inadequate early detection in the minds and hearts of many. They generated publicity in community newspapers and shared the daily activities of their journey on a Hike for Hope website journal for friends and supporters. They sent letters to a few hundred families, friends, and supporters around the globe to spread the word and ask for donations to the PanCAN, the first national patient-based advocacy organization for the pancreatic cancer community. They also used e-mail and asked others to pass their message along.

For Wilson, the most rewarding aspect to the Hike for Hope was seeing Pew’s joy for life as he climbed mountains, enjoyed vistas, and relaxed comfortably at camp after a long day’s hike, all despite his pancreatic cancer.

The life-long friends say the hike was a challenge for body, mind, and spirit. At times, they were alone in the woods as far as the eye could see and missing the simple things in life: a hot shower, cranberry juice, cotton sheets, and dry clothes.

Carving a path
Early on, their daily hike was 7 to 10 miles, and as their bodies got stronger, they hiked closer to 20 miles a day and occasionally 23 miles. Small things on the trip reminded them to live life to the fullest. Things like seeing an orange newt, finding an iced cold can of root beer in a stream, and getting out of the rain.

"Frankly, the whole experience was unusual," says Wilson. "How many people do you know who live in the woods for 11 weeks walking upwards of 20 miles a day?"

A typical day on the Hike for Hope started at 7 a.m. after sleeping on hard shelter floor. Breakfast was mostly instant oatmeal made with cold water, as it was too much trouble to get out the stove and heat water. After repacking gear and ensuring trail goals and water sources were identified, it was more hiking. Dinner was usually made with hot water and dehydrated meals.

In May, it rained for 26 of the 31 days of hiking. They walked in rivers of water along the path and woke up in hail and high winds. When they felt the need, and when Todd’s health was a challenge, they would get off the trail and stay in motels and eat at restaurants as needed.

"Todd’s health was a challenge," says Wilson. "Physically he was exhausted, in nearly constant pain, and unable to eat enough to keep his energy up. Ultimately his health called him off the trail.

"He helped me to see the importance of living life and my dreams today, not at some point in the future. I helped him by doing the mundane things at camp so he could rest. When he left the trail, I was lost. I wanted to continue with him. I wanted him to be well and feel OK. I missed him and feared for his health. I was so scared for him. He helped me by challenging me to push on, to hike for him too, to dream of him joining me again, to hope."

Although they did not complete the entire hike, they succeeded in making a difference and achieving their goal. They enjoyed weeks together in the woods; raised almost $15,000 for PanCAN; hiked almost 1,000 miles; made a few friends; and got the word out about pancreatic cancer.

Pew and Wilson hope others learn from their journey. "Frequently when I would talk with others about the Hike for Hope, the conversation would quickly turn to the necessity of prioritizing life better. Much of this was discussed in the media and around water coolers after Sept. 11, 2001, but a true and honest commitment to live a life that fulfills here and now seems to be the hardest lesson to embody."

Pew and Wilson also walked on fire with a circle of friends and supporters, and they may still skydive and go on a safari. "Hope is real and can move mountains," says Wilson.

For more information on the Hike for Hope, visit www.ATHikeforHope.com. Additional information and guidance is available to pancreatic cancer patients and their families through PanCAN’s Patient and Liaison Services (PALS). Trained PALS associates are available to assist patients on a one-on-one basis Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST. The PALS program is offered at no cost to callers, and is made possible through the generosity of PanCAN spporters. PALS associates are available toll-free at 877-2-PANCAN (877-272-6226), or via e-mail at edinfo@pancan.org.