Troy Galyon’s parents always told him they’d walk to the ends of the earth for him. Now, he’s doing just that for his dad.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville senior graduates May 13. The next day he’ll begin a 2,200-mile trek along the Appalachian Trail to raise money for cancer research and to honor his father, who was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last October.
“When I was younger, he read a book about the Appalachian Trail and I didn’t know if I’d want to do it, but at that time he thought he might want to,” says Galyon, 22.
So that’s exactly what Galyon plans to do — while raising money and awareness for cancer in his dad’s honor along the way.
“He really cares about others and does things to help people without wanting to be recognized,” Galyon says of his father, who works as the principal of an alternative school in Tennessee. “He’s just selfless.”
Those close to Galyon say he too has that quality.
“Troy is very caring about others,” says UT director of scholarships and fellowships Andrew Seidler, who served as Galyon’s adviser. “He’s a thoughtful person, and it’s neat he found a way to do something for his family.”
Galyon hikes once or twice a month, but he’s never tried a trail near the length of the Appalachian, which starts in Springer Mountain, Ga. and ends in Mount Katahdin, Me. Only 20 percent of hikers complete the trip, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club. And while the Appalachian Mountain Club says the hike takes five to seven months to complete, Galyon plans to finish in just 100 days.
“I think the mental aspect will be harder than the physical,” says Galyon, who has run cross country and track since middle school. “Knowing that while I’ve already hiked 200 miles, I still have 2,000 to go — I think that will wear me out more than walking.”
Despite that, Galyon feels confident that his family and friends will help push him to the finish line.
“I think that all the support I’ve had from my family and friends has given me that boost of encouragement,” Galyon says. “There’s nothing to worry about because there are so many people supporting me.”
Galyon asks those who want to help to donate directly to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, which was mentioned to Galyon’s family as a leader in esophageal cancer research when his father first started treatment. Supporters of Galyon’s hike can donate to the center online or by mailing in a check.
Galyon started fundraising early last month, and while he doesn’t know yet how much he’s raised in total, he’s optimistic about the potential for his hike to raise not only money, but awareness for cancer research.
“It’s a big feat, so I think people will think it’s cool and want to support the cause,” says Galyon, who plans to update followers on his progress once or twice a week. “I also want people to realize I’m doing this for my dad because he’s been such an influence to me.”
Filed under: News Tagged: Appalachian Trail, cancer, cancer awareness, cancer research, esophageal cancer, fundraising, hiking, inspiring, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center