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July 25 - PENNSVILLE
Sandy made it! Cheered on by family, friends and a crowd of well-wishers, she reached her mom around 11:15 a.m. Saturday, in Pennsville, New Jersey.
Her "minute for mission" to her home church, Union Presbyterian Church in Carneys Point, New Jersey, was delivered Sunday, July 26, as follows:
Greetings from Louisville, Kentucky and Springdale Presbyterian Church.
 As many of you know, I am a native of Pennsville. In the early 1960’s my neighbor and friend Lynn Waddington was going to a picnic and I wanted to go. My parents told me it was with her church. I bugged them and whined about it sufficiently that we started attending Union Presbyterian Church.
Later in the mid 1960’s I stood here with my siblings and you made a vow to nurture me in the faith. I want to thank you so much because all of you kept that promise and nurtured me spiritually more than any of us knew at the time.
I have just completed walking from my home in Louisville to my parents home in Pennsville to raise awareness about Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. This cruel disease is fatal and robs a person of their ability to walk and talk. Vision is impaired because eye muscles can’t move up and down or back and forth. Eating is a problem because swallowing is slow and uncoordinated. All the while the person is aware of what is happening. PSP has no cause, treatment or cure.
Although 20,000 people have PSP, it is considered a rare disease. So, when people ask what is wrong with Mom and I tell them the disease name, invariably the response is, “What is that? I’ve never heard of it.” When those folks include many in the health care profession, increasing awareness is imperative. As a loved one suffers through this disease, you want to do something, anything. I can walk and I sure can talk. My thoughts were to spread information about this disease by walking from my house to my mother’s.
So I did. And I told everyone who would listen and a few who didn’t want to listen about this disease. The thoughts and prayers many of you gave were such support and were greatly appreciated. Many ask how I could do this. When you feel God move you – how can you not. In Wheeling, West Virginia, a minister asked me if this walk made me more spiritual. Without hesitation I said no. I think that surprised him but as I explained later, the walk couldn’t have made me more spiritual because the entire walk was a spiritual journey. Yesterday a reporter asked what I thought about and gave me strength when I was afraid I wouldn’t make it. I just looked at her surprised and said, “I never thought I wouldn’t make it.” That was true. I always thought I would make it. As I explained to her – it was my legs that walked and my mouth that did the talking but it wasn’t my walk. It was God’
July 23-24 -- One state, one day
 A little rain didn't stop us or dampen our spirits as we walked the 14 miles across Delaware. We ended at the war memorial by the Delaware Memorial Bridge. My brothers, their families, sister-in-law Kelly's friends Beverly and Peggy, Jim Green, and friends who walked the distance with me. It was wonderful to meet Cheryl Cicamore and her mother, Shirley Dill, who has PSP. I wish they could meet my mom. I think people with PSP feel like they alone in fighting this cruel disease.
I didn't relate this story in the last blog, but it's worth mentioning. The other day a policeman in Havre De Grace stopped me along U.S. 40. I was preparing to cross a short bridge when he motioned me to him. I figured, I am being prohibited from walking across the long bridge over the Susquahanna River, so maybe he was going to stop me on this bridge. In a stern, firm and professional voice, he asked, "Are you the lady who is walking across the country?" I told him part of the way - not all. He said not everybody knew about my walk - but he did. He reached back and handed me a grocery bag full of bottled waters and energy bars. I turned to give him a green card with PSP information. He said, "I already know about it."
I took off Friday to prepare for Saturday's final day.
July 22 -- Crossing into Delaware
 Hello, Delaware. Goodbye, Maryland.
One more state, and 14 more miles, until the final push on Saturday. Today I completed the journey through Maryland. Last night, tonight and tomorrow, I am staying with my brother Terry, who lives outside of Wilmington. Thursday, Delaware gets done.
The great news about my physical condition as been that through almost 700 miles, I had suffered only one blister. That one between my little toe and the next toe. And that's true. But the other day I had to ask Megan to drive the car after the day's walk was complete. It actually hurt to put in the clutch. An automatic next time? Who knows.
Outside Baltimore we ran into another, let's say, "Interesting" situation. Megan unknowingly chose to park the car alongside the road to wait for me in a place in which the State Police later said was a gathering area for activities of ill repute. Ultimately, nothing bad happened. but the police are looking for the guy who approached our car. Nothing like a call like that to rattle your nerves.
Today my son Kyle, his wife Bre and daughter Payton flew in from Germany to be here at the last walk segment on Saturday. Kyle is stationed at Ramstein AFB in Germany, so it took a bit of arranging for him to get here. His efforts are very much appreciated. Lots of people have said they want to participate in the walk on Saturday or want to be here. The exact count - who knows? It will be wonderful, I'm sure. My husband Terry, my brothers Dan and Terry, who I'm sure many others are working on getting things right for Saturday.
When I was walking yesterday I was thinking about all the things I want to say to everyone. I have learned so much about the courage of these valiant people who live with the disease and who display such outward strength. It is inspiring and I have learned so much.
There are people to thank for their support and their generosity. But I may be getting ahead of myself.
I have one more state, one more rest day on Friday, and 2.5 miles to go.
July 19 -- Getting around Baltimore, anticipating the final week
There’s less than one week left.
The last few days have been a flurry of activity.
On Thursday, CurePSP closed its office and the staff came to Reisterstown to cheer me forward. I cut out some mileage because of all the driving and activities and got from Frederick to Libertytown.
Friday started with a trip to WMAR-TV in Baltimore for an appearance on Good Morning Maryland with Kathleen Speca and a neurologist. If the goal is awareness of PSP, this was certainly a great step forward.
Later, CurePSP hosted a lunch in my honor and presented me a plaque. The whole group of CurePSP folks were awesome, from the chairman Richard Zyne and his wife Paula, to Kathleen, Kate DeSantis, Alice, Mindy, Joyce, Adrian and well – I know there are many others to thank. You all went out of your way to welcome me. Thank you. Afterward, I got in only four miles of walking.
 On Saturday I covered 14. I walked, essentially until I couldn’t walk any more. It wasn’t a physical problem. It’s just that the road ended. The roads have been very difficult around Baltimore, as some roads were very curvy, plus had no shoulder or sidewalks. So I ended up skipping the unsafe portions.
Becky and Dolph Hill came up from Annapolis to walk with me. What is amazing is that Dolph has PSP and he was able to walk about a mile. It was an honor to have them with me. Kareen LaBuzzetta wanted to walk with me, but couldn’t because of planned surgery. Her husband recently passed away from PSP.
At lunch we were excited to find the little Hippo chocolates that my son Kyle brought us back from Germany last fall.
On Sunday I presented the minute for mission at Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, Md., just north of Baltimore. Patty Rath deserves a huge thanks for her work in arranging our accommodations and helping us out during Rev. Ironside’s absence.
We met Kathleen Speca for lunch. She is delightful. Later Megan and I took a break to see the new Harry Potter movie, and my brother Terry and his wife Kelly drove down from Delaware to have dinner with us. Just the sight of Terry means that I’m getting so close to my goal.
I know the final preparations are being made for the walk’s end. I was interviewed by a reporter from Today’s Sunbeam and the story appeared in today’s paper. My husband has been sending out information to TV and newspaper while my brother works to finalize plans for Saturday.
Right now it looks as though I’ll be driven across the Delaware Memorial Bridge and will arrive at the Cracker Barrel in Pennsville, ready to walk the final stretch, at 10 a.m. Saturday. .
Less than one week and I’ll be home.
July 14 -- Antietam to Harpers Ferry
I started walking a couple of miles outside of Antietam on the road. You can’t help but be energized by all the history. All kinds of plaques described the battle. We spent about an hour there at the park, looking around and watching an overview movie. I could have stayed much, much longer.
I talked to 2 park employees about my route down Harpers Ferry Road. One suggested taking Route 230, a straight road – but in another state. The other suggested the towpath. I was concerns about the towpath’s limited access and the extra time it might take for Megan to find me. But he convinced me that it was really direct, and would be easier to get to Harpers Ferry.
So we did. And promptly missed a turn in Sharpsburg, a one stop-sign town. But the road wasn’t bad even if it was narrow and winding. We were a little amazed to see a coach bus on the road but otherwise uneventful. Back on the towpath for 8-9 miles, I was all business. A few days ago I spent lots of time enjoying the wildlife. But not this time. I walked with a purpose.
The trail was full of walkers and bikers. I also saw a group of 20-30 teens on the trail who didn’t look very prepared for a walking a trail – wrong walking shoes, mall type clothing, and no water bottles – all for at least a five-mile walk on a really hot day. I wondered if the bus was for them since it was parked at my drop off point.
I finally caught up with Megan at Harpers Ferry. We decided to drive over to the town, look for dinner, and wander around the historical district. As we headed up from the river, we passed a Ryder truck that was too tall to get beneath an overpass. Poor people – they had to back up almost a mile on a narrow road that had two 90 degree turns, and over a bridge. I felt really sorry for them. We asked a shopkeeper call the sheriff to try to help them.
I wanted a small map of the historical district and some ideas on dinner, so we stopped at an information center near the National Park. Not much luck there – so we started driving and saw the Appalachian Trail headquarters. I had to stop to check it out. I told Megan out loud Mama Boot’s book was for sale in the shop – interesting, given that Mama Boots is from Louisville and had hiked the AT many times – even in her advanced age. The clerk – in his early 20s - asked if I knew or had hiked with Mama Boots. He actually knew her – and in fact, showed us a quilt she made. Many had contributed pieces of cloth but she did the actual quilting. It was beautiful. I’m really glad I stopped there.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t much help about dinner. Since we didn’t have accommodations for the night in or near Harper’s Ferry, we decided to find a hotel for the night. Megan looked for a Marriott, where she works, and found one -- in Dulles, VIRGINIA, the one by the DC airport. Of course, I was not hiking Virginia – so we had no maps of Virginia. Megan had a GPS on her Blackberry. So we have no idea where we are or where we are going, and we are laughing the whole way.
We made it to Leesburg and saw what looked like a lobster on the side of a building. Yes, it was a restaurant, and we stopped. We were so hungry we didn’t care what kind of restaurant it was, even if it did turn out to be Cajun.
It turns out our hotel was about 40 miles from where we ended the walk for the day. The front desk clerk was sympathetic - he gave us a coupon for free breakfast for the next morning.
And so ended another day.
July 13, 7 a.m. -- Emerging from the "dead zones"
Keeping up with the blog has been very difficult recently. It's been difficult even getting a cell phone signal in some of the mountainous areas away from the Interstate, not to mention internet access. Thankfully, Megan and I are out of the dead zones.
Yesterday We cut some miles and made up some time yesterday by getting off the towpath and taking to the road. The locals at the visitor's center were very helpful in helping steer me around.
Last night I counted up the number of miles I've walked, and it's nearly 575 miles.
Some of those last miles were with Jackie Allison from CurePSP. It was a blast. She has an awesome personality. We had a great time and many laughs. And again, I am greatly appreciative to her daughter Jamie and son-in-law Sunny for providing accommodations last Saturday and Sunday.
Today I walk to from Antietam battle field through Harper's Ferry, and then look for the turnoff to Frederick. The schedule will get more muddled this week as I need to be in specific spots at specific times to meet with media and Cure PSP folks.
July 10-11 -- Storms
Still on the C&O towpath. On Saturday heavy storms stopped me 7 miles short of my intended destination. I am near Williamsport and will continue on the C&O on Monday. I expect to be in or near Frederick on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. It's a big week coming up. It's my understanding that next Friday Kathleen Speca from CurePSP, a neurologist and I will be appearing on the Good Morning Maryland show that follows Good Morning America.
Thanks very much to my hosts, Jamie and Sunny Garcia, for all of their hospitality and offering us a place to rest Saturday and Sunday. My feet are swollen tonight (Sunday, July 12).
July 8-9 On the C&O
Started out with sounds. Road traffic. Boats on the Potomac River. The smell of dryer sheets from the houses backing up to the trail. Very noisy.
But lots of wildlife later on the trail. Deer. Snakes. Birds. Turtles. Bullfrogs. Even saw a wild turkey flying. A cyclist said that i should be quiet as there was a river otter up ahead.
The next day, July 9, was different. More people, fewer animals, the opposite of my expectations. I thought it would be more islolated being in the Green RIdge State Park. Walked 22 miles, and it was much easier than I thought it would be. I guess cool weather made it easier than the earlier walks over 20 miles. Gary and Deb Hendrickson walked with me for a few miles, including through the Paw Paw tunnel, which was nice.
At the end of the day saw the cut through Sidling Mountain. Where the interstate goes through. Impressive cut.
July 7 - Getting to the towpath
It is supposed to be another beautiful day today. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. It was so nice to walk from Frostburg to Cumberland, Maryland. Deb Hendrickson walked with me the last 7 miles as I finished the Great Allegheny Passage and started on the C & O canal towpath. Her company was lovely and much appreciated. She was so helpful as we tried to find the vehicle access points for the next 20 miles on the trail at the end of the day yesterday. Trying to break the trail into 20 mile increments is a challenge here because there aren’t always vehicle access points at the end of the 20 miles. It looks like I may have a 22 or 24 mile day in the next couple of days as I make my way to Hancock. If it is necessary, I will just have to start early, walk slowly and take breaks as needed.
I just want to thank everyone for their support again. Although I can’t always respond, someone reads the notes to me or I get on the computer a few minutes at night to check for messages. I also want to especially thank all those who have been so generous with their hospitality. Words seem an inadequate response to those who have opened their homes to me and my family. We are humbled and very appreciative of all these kind people the latest being Deb and Gary Hendrickson here in Cumberland.
Time to move on down the trail toward Mom’s. More later.
July 6 - Crossing into Maryland
 First, the great news! Another state line has been passed. On Monday I crossed the Pennsyvania border into Maryland on my way from Meyersdale to Frostburg on the great Allegheny Passage trail. Among the notable sights were the Eastern Continental Divide (it's all downhill from here!) and the Mason Dixon line.
Megan assumed the duties of driver and support, and it was sure different.She walked with me a lot, and yesterday got in about 10 miles (5 miles each way as she walked with me and back to the car.) It is very strange to hear a hometown radio station (a country one, at that) on the trail when you're walking in such a remote area. Megan brought her Blackberry and could pick up WAMZ in Louisville over the Internet, and, among other things, a Hawaiian station that played Reggae music.
Thanks to Gary and Deb Hendrickson of Cumberland for all of their hospitality.
July 3-4 - The long haul (Video)
 Friday, I overdid it. I walked 23 miles. By the time I got into the room, I went to sleep before Terry and Scott brought back dinner. But it was a really good day. Linda Gray walked with me for about 5 miles. She lives in Confluence, Pa., one of the towns on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. She walked down the trail to meet me as I came from Ohiopyle. Linda’s mother has PSP.
When we neared Confluence, we were greeted by Sam and Linda Savochka and their dog Sage, and Terry and Scott. Sam and Linda are from the nearby California Presbyterian Church. Sam had walked with me a few days earlier as I went from Brownsville to Connellsville.
After a nice lunch at the 3 Sisters Café in Confluence (thank you, Linda Gray!), Sam, Linda and Sage walked with me to Harnedsville. I really enjoyed the afternoon. It just took a little longer than I wanted to get to Markleton.
Scott stepped in at Fort Hill and walked with me the rest of the way. He was a real trooper. Since I have felt uneasy walking alone on the Great Allegheny Passage, he walked with me all day today. It was shorter than the day before -– 18 miles, with a few more stops. And the trail was busiest I had seen, about 12 people by 11:30 a.m. over 6 miles.
Usually the cell phone reception on the trail is very poor. But today, as I began to cross a 2000-foot-long viaduct high over a river and a four-lane road, I got 2 phone calls. Of course, anyone calling has no idea where I am and what I’m doing. But you have to laugh at the timing. Although the viaduct was really safe – concrete and tall fencing on the sides—the fact that we were 100 feet or more above the ground still made me feel a little queasy. So I put my head down and counted steps as I’m crossing. Then, the phone rang. One time it was Terry, who was parked on the highway and wanting me to look up and wave for a picture. I just wanted to get across.
Tomorrow I have to decide whether to walk the last 16 miles on this trail to Frostburg, Md., with Scott or Terry. The other choice is to do it alone on Monday after the big driver switch tomorrow. I don’t know which I will do.
Speaking of the driver switch. I am very excited to see Megan. One of the benefits of this trip has been the time to spend alone with 3 of my children. I have really enjoyed it. However, I am going to miss Terry and Scott. As most of you know, my husband is the “ghost writer” for this blog. I let him know my thoughts, he organizes and writes them, I check to be sure it really is how I feel then he publishes it. What you don’t know, is how much he has spoiled me this trip. He has handled all the daily phone calls, made contacts with newspapers and followed up with information, anticipated all my needs as I walked offering me drinks, cool, wet bandanas, lunch, even having my end of the day chocolate milk ready. I don’t know how I was blessed to be married to such a wonderful man for the last 30 years but I sure am lucky. Thanks Mr. T, I love you.
(Photo: From left, Scott, Linda Savochka, Sandy, Linda Gray, Sam Savochka, and "Sage." Click here or on photo to see more images of the day from Facebook.)
July 2 - Drama on the trail
 I was driven to Connellsville to pick up the Great Allegheny Passage trail this morning. There was lots of preparation because I wouldn't be able to rely on my support team of Terry and Scott and the items in the car. I would be walking, by myself, the 17 miles on the trail from Connellsville to Ohiopyle, carrying my own water, food, raingear, phone, camera, airhorn, and so on.
The trail itself was great. It looked like the Appalachian Trail in places. Rhododendren still in bloom. Lots of greenery. Water flowing. The trail's elevation did not rise too steeply.
But the trail was mostly devoid of people. There were miles in which I did not see a single person. My imagination and fears got the best of me. One guy was riding a bike and asked if I was "Carol" - it just kind of weirded me out. A few miles down the road I heard some branches crackling and I looked up on the cliff and there he was. Maybe he was watering the flowers. Who knows? I did not see his bicycle anywhere.
So I picked up the pace. I got a couple of miles ahead, looking back intermittently, and as I was just about to relax I see a lone bicycle rider. I reached into my pocket for the mace I'd brought to ward off dogs - but as he apprached it was clear this wasn't the same person. He apologized for startling me.
A couple of miles further down the road I notice a white cross and a welcome sign from Camp Carmel. What a welcome, wonderful sight!
I spoke to the director, informed them about PSP and used the facilities. About the only thhing I missed was taking a photo.
The afternoon continued to i mprove. Jack Williams was riding h is bicycle from Pittsburgh to Reading and he walked with me a bit. He's raising money for cancer through the Relay for Life.
So six and a half hours after starting the walk, I finished in Ohiopyle. It was time for a chocolate milk shake for a recovery food, and later, putting up my feet at the hotel room.
July 1 - Brownsville to Connellsville, Pa. (Video)
Sam and Rich set the pace this morning from Brownsville. They were marathon runners and were certainly ready to move it today. I was also joined by Lois , who drove down all the way from Pittsburgh, to walk with me. And  walk, she did! She was with me the entire day - from the bridge at Brownsville, down the narrow roads off of US 40, through the cornfields, around the dangerous and twisty bends, and finally, at Connellsville, where she and I each polished off a pint of chocolate milk. "Boy, that chocolate milk was good," Lois said. "I haven't had one of those in about a century!" Lois came down in support of the walk, as her mother is suffering from CBD.
I also want to thank Rev. Mike Orsted for arranging the picnic with his church at the park and allowing me to provide information about the disease. And, of course, a thanks to the Longs, who put us up for the night. To each of you we appreciate your generosity and the opportunity to know you better.
As it is now apparent, the Great Allegheny Passage will be the route through the mountains. I got a step closer to that today by walking to Connellsville. I'll pick up the "rails to trails" path tomorrow.
June 29-30 - Entering Pennsylvania
What a day! Skinny, curvy roads, with drivers who like to go over the white line....a downpour...several detours....and very busy four-lane highways. Who knows which road leads from Dunbar, Pa., back to the main highway? An incredibly frustrating but successful day - another 20 miles. I wanted to thank Evelyn Hostutler for walking with me on Monday from West Alexander. She really set the pace! Tomorrow, headed for the Great Allegheny Passage at Connellsville.
June 27-28 - Wheeling was wonderful
This weekend was fabulous. I counted my miles and I am definitely half way. I am 355 miles into this trip. I went through West Virginia and tomorrow I start in Pennsylvania.
I really feel Wheeling and the surrounding area have learned about PSP. My hat is off to all the wonderful reporters who have spread the word about this disease during my walk. When folks talk about or hear others mention “the media” in negative tones, I hope all those faceless reporters hold their heads high, because without these talented messengers so many would still not know about this disease. Even before Shelley Hanson’s story appeared in the Saturday’s Wheeling newspaper, Bethlehem United Presbyterian Church pastor David Lawrence had already spoken with other ministers and his congregation about my journey and its purpose.
 The newspaper story really reached far. People took notice and wished me luck as I walked down the street. By afternoon, when I reached Valley Grove, West Virginia, the Reinhardt family temporarily halted their reunion and walked up to the fence, applauding supportively. It was very touching. I stopped and talked about why I was doing the walk and gave them information.
Raymond Pinto is 84 and he sought me out. He deliberately drove U.S. 40 on his way back from Claysville to tell me about his friend, Jack Cook, who died from PSP in 1998. The Wagon Wheel restaurant owner Grover Brogan saw me walking and offered us food, drink and a restroom. I spoke with The Ohio County Animal Control Shelter and a nurse who was there adopting a black dog.
There are just so many people to thank for their generosity. Rev. Homer Harden and his wife Chris were so wonderful on Friday night, with dinner, an overnight stay, laundry and “Evan Almighty.” On Saturday night, Brian and Lisa Mengeu from Bethlehem Presbyterian had us over for dinner. Sunday, I was able to speak to their congregation and provide information.
 I can’t stop without mentioning Ruth and Larry Nulph. They drove all the way from Pittsburgh to Wheeling to walk with me on Saturday. I am impressed by Ruth’s perseverence and persistence to get out the word about PSP. She lost her mother and aunt to the disease, and has been involved in a PSP support group for many years. Bless her.
(Photos - Reinhardt family, above; Brian Mengeu, me and Rev. David Lawrence)
June 26 - It was cooler and the mileage piled up
The rains came last night, and the temperatures moderated, making the walk a lot easier today. I was glad it was cooler. Thanks to all who prayed for cool temperatures and those who provided encouragement.
I was also driven about 18 miles today when it appeared that I could not walk on U.S. 40, as it merged with Interstate 70. Using a county map, I found a route that I could have walked that would have gotten me about half of the mileage. But I didn't see that until later. So I began walking at Exit 204, where US 40 separated from 70. I walked probably 18 to 20 miles, getting me just about 3 or 4 miles short of Wheeling.
The whole point of this walk is awareness, but it is very easy to get caught up with the walk details - how many miles am I doing in one day, the feeling that I have to walk every mile to New Jersey, or that I am not true to my purpose. But to that end of awareness, I did talk with the Cambridge newspaper yesterday, and today I spoke with a reporter from the Wheeling Intelligencer. She said she suspects her story will run on Saturday. I hope so. I welcome the opportunity to have anyone walk with me. On Sunday I am supposed to speak at Bethleham Presbyterian Church across the river in their "minute for mission."
Thanks to Rev. Homer Harden and his wife, Chris, for opening their home to us and extending their hospitality. It is very much appreciated.
June 24-25 - The sun didn't stop shining in Cambridge
Good friends Jerry and Nancy Cissell drove all the way from Louisville to walk with me. Eagle eye Jerry found 78 cents along the way in his 10 miles. It was so nice to have company, and I can't thank Nancy and Jerry enough for their generosity and thoughtfulness.
Nancy walked the whole route with me - I think it was close to 20 miles, but it was getting late and we had to stop by 5 p.m. or so to get ready for dinner.
Along the way reporter Brian Gadd from the Zanesville newspaper walked with us a couple of miles to finish up his interview, which was published the next day. He did a good job writing the story - I was glad to see the information about PSP reaching the public. And Pastor Ellen Thomas' call to WHIZ was fruitful as I was interviewed alongside US 22/40 with the cars and trucks whizzing by.
Today (June 25) I started early - 7:30 a.m. - and made up the mileage I had missed on the previous day. I met Cynthia Krause, who walked with me -- right into the Jeffersonian newspaper in Cambridge. She knew the reporter - and I was able to tell the story. Someone in the newsroom said, "I saw you on the Today show!" Actually, it was the Zanesville morning news - WHIZ had rerun the story they'd done the night before.
After many grueling miles today, I finished in Old Washington. So I have a little bit of ground to make up tomorrow.
Before I go to bed tonight I cannot express the depth of my appreciation to Cindy for opening her home to Terry, Scott and me, and for arranging the information session at her church.
June 23 - Somerset to Zanesville. It was hot.
The first 15 miles were okay. The last five or so was a killer. By the afternoon the sun blazed overhead and I was really dragging. I told Terry that we were stopping at Dairy Queen and I was getting a rootbeer float! He had it waiting when I arrived. Some guys are really great.
It was really good that Ellen Thomas and her young adult daughter walked with us. That was the only time the truck drivers blew their horns at us. When she left, well, silence. Ellen is the minister at a small congregation in New Concord, and it was a blessing to meet her. She said she has been keeping her church aware of my walk and that they have been keeping me and my mother in their prayers. She's taking a mission trip to Zambia soon. How exciting! My son Scott walked a bit with me today while Terry drove the two back to their car.
On US 22 today an 18-wheeler overturned along a curve, with traffic backed up in both directions. I kept thinking how I could have been walking along that section, and maybe he was going too fast, maybe a car came into his lane...who knows? Those are things that go through your mind when you walk.
In fact, when you walk so long you think about a lot of things. I always wave my bandana to catch the attention of oncoming traffic, primarily for safety. Sometimes you don't get a response at all. Other times you get responses like, the native American "how" wave, the fingers upward palm on the steering wheel, the two finger V sign and single index finger waves. And today, for the first time, I got the popgun wave from a motorcyclist.
Other observations: you wouldn't believe how many cars have handicapped stickers. People like to throw their banana peels onto the highway. Skunks are the number one roadkill animal. And the sounds. You could hear the crackle of electricity through high-power tension lines. Scurrying and swishing through the grass, apparently of animals startled by my approach.
I saw and heard much about the history of Ohio during this portion of the walk. US 22 follows the path which Henry Clay of Kentucky took on his way to Washington in the 19th Century. You see so many of the old road markers and so many historic homes. Ohioans seem so patriotic - so many flags are displayed. In fact, in Zanesville I walked by a replica of the Statue of Liberty (even if it was on a liquor store).
Tomorrow marks a milestone of sorts. I will be joined by a friend from Louisville, and we will walk US 40 - the old National Road. I told Terry I want pictures!
June 22 - Video blog
Special video blog
June 20 - "When it's cool, you can move."
It was cooler today, and I moved pretty quickly. I started at the county line, and I reached 10 miles before noon. When it's cool, you can move quickly. and when it is hot I have to stop every mile to get Gatorade. I did 15 miles altogether. I could have gone further, but, I stopped. I was ready for a day off. Erin and I went to the hotel, turned up the air conditioner full blast and just "vegged out" on the bed for about an hour and a half. I really needed the down time.
Today when I visited CVS to go to the restroom (there was absolutely no place to go for the first three hours) someone asked me if I could blow the airhorn I am carrying. At 120 decibels, the inside of a drug store really wasn't the place. Seems like a lot of people ask about that horn, but, hey, anything that gets attention for the cause is fine with me.
After making it to Lancaster I went over to the newspaper office to see if I could speak with someone there, but the office was closed. I visited a church and no one was around there, either.So I will go to church on Sunday, make some calls, and will rest up for the next week.
My husband Terry and my son Scott will be the drivers for the next two weeks, as Erin goes back home for a deserved break. She did an awesome job as co-pilot, stopping every mile to provide water and whatever I needed. Next week it is supposed to be very warm, so I will remember the icy footbath at the end of the day.
Before I forget, I wanted to thank my hosts for the last two days, The Seitz's. They were so awesome and really great people.
June 18 - Walk reaches 200 miles
Today I passed 200 miles walking. About a third done.
For two of the miles today, Fred Hoffman joined me. He generously offered accommodations last night. He, his wife Nancy and his daughter in law and her children, drove an hour or so from their house near Dayton to Washington Court House. It was nice to see him and the family.
The route took me past lots of cornfields, which reminded me a great deal of our time in Indiana. It was interesting - a buzzard was on the road eating the remains of a possum, and even as I approached, that buzzard was protecting its food source. I didn't want any part of it, anyway. I also saw a huge flock of golden finches take off in a choreographed group.
Someone asked me about the horn I carry, again, and it turns out that the man's daughter works in Louisville and attended the University of Kentucky. Small world.
Later, I spoke with a reporter from the Washington Court House newspaper. One of my hosts, Carolyn Seitz, arranged for me to speak at the Circleville community picnic. About 200 people were there - interesting, one for every mile I've walked.
June 17 - WIlmington to Washington Court House
The walk was nice. it was a little busy and the shoulders were a little more narrow, but was cool about yesterday was that the little things you really never notice. The shadow of the clouds on the road ---- could see the darkness moving down the road. The corn in the breeze, I was calling it "fluttering." Erin called it swaying. (SEE VIDEO.) It was peaceful, the things you don't pay attention to when you're driving.
A woman stopped her car and told me, "You're in the newspaper! You're front page news!" I didn't know it, but the newspaper published a photo of me walking and a caption describing the symptoms of PSP. She told me I needed to get a copy because I was leaving the last place in town where I could buy one. So I did. And it was nice to see it increasing awareness.
At lunch time, I stopped in a nursing home along the way and handed out cards about PSP. I had been thinknig about doing something like this for some time - stopping in health care facilities to let them know about PSP and increase awareness about it. They hadn't heard of it.
Someone asked me about the air horn I carry. "For Dobermans," I said. I did see a Doberman later but the owner out in the yard said they were OK. "They're just babies," he said.
I hit sidewalks in town. I loved that!
For my overnight, I stayed with Fred and Nancy Hoffman, of Centerville. Fred (with the white goatee) went over and above my expectations, and it was wonderful. He had over his friends and family to greet me and a very nice meal. Terry and Megan, who had been in a business meeting in Columbus, joined us for dinner.
Fred's wife Nancy (next to me) has PSP and he is the primary caregiver. The similarities with my own father and mother were striking. I reminded Fred to read the PSP newsletter, which had the 10 commmandments for caregivers. He gave me a card with the Optimist's credo. You can tell that he lives by those guidelines.. Encounters with wonderful people like these just give you the encouragement and drive to continue.
June 16, 2009 - The "Other" Wilmington
Sandy left the hotel (all the way back in Blue Ash, Ohio, north of Cincinnati) and began her day's walk. To use Churchill Downs' racing parlance, the "track was fast." While in WIlmington she took a chance and stopped in the local newspaper office to explain what she was doing. They snapped a photo of her and requested information about PSP and the walk be emailed.
It was another night in a hotel, although the proprietor did reduce the cost for her to $70. Scheduling accommodations has been a very difficult process, and many remaining nights are not yet covered. Sandy received a very generous email from someone offering help,but the issue needs attention.
June 15, 2009 - The walk to Morrow
A relatively uneventful day. The traffic was heavy at times and the road a bit narrow. Sandy was told she could take the bike path to Morrow, and she did walk the final two miles on it. Accommodations were in a hotel, and Erin and Sandy relaxed - chilled out, actually - watching the Bachelorette.
June 13/14, 2009 - Crossing into Ohio
Bright and early, 8 a.m. Saturday, the tally was this - one state down, six to go. In Newport, we crossed the pedestrian bridge into downtown Cincinnati.
Friday night the walk got as far as Ft. Mitchell, about three miles short of the bridge. Sandy met with a reporter from the Kentucky Enquirer at 6 p.m. that night and discussed the importance of the walk, emphasizing that she hoped the story wasn't about her -but about the disease that has touched so many. She would return Saturday afternoon to walk that three mile section in Northern Kentucky, after she finished her allotted miles in Cincinnati.
It was energizing to her to see who many people who had helped get the word out. The weather was beautiful, the skies sunny. Terry came up to accompany her for the weekend and Erin continued to do a yeoman's job assisting.
The Browns from Springdale Presbyterian were on their way to Columbus for their daughter's graduation, and they stopped to walk a bit and share lunch. A woman brought her two children and caught up with Sandy to cheer her on and walk about three miles. Finally, Sandi Grether from Cincinnati Children's opened her home to host a reception for Sandy and very much appreciated hospitality. Sandy very much enjoyed getting to know Sandi and her husband John.
On Sunday, it was an hour's drive to Carlisle, Ohio, to the New Jersey Presbyterian Church. Sandy choked back emotions as she talked to the congregation about her mother and about PSP, and as she heard the minister discuss how he watched his father slowly succumb to the disease.
It was an opportune day off, as Sandy tried to stay off of her feet. They were a bit swollen when she awoke Sunday morning.
She acknowledges that the impact of this walk is so much larger than herself. Notes like these keep her going. She received a heart-touching email from a woman in Midland, Texas whose mother has PSP. She wrote, "I received an e-mail from a friend letting me know about your walk. THANK YOU! Excuse me for being so overwhelmed at the time of this writing. I don't know where to start. I will spend much of my day today I will be spending all about your walk and trying to catch up. I admire you so much.I\'ve had the same struggles with people not understanding the symptoms and knowing how to treat my mom. We just had to put her in a care home a few weeks ago as my dad could no longer take care of her properly. TAKE care of yourself and you will be in my prayers!"
June 11, 2009 (Day 4) -- Danger road: Ghent to Beaver Lick
(As told to Terry)
A lot to report. The road was narrow and the shoulders were rounded to a drop off, so the only place to walk was to the right of the white line-- that is, in the road. Sandy was waving her green bandana to alert oncoming traffic to her presence. One driver misunderstood and thought Sandy was signaling for help, and she slowed to see what was wrong. Another driver approached too quickly, couldn't stop and swerved into the opposite lane to avoid crashing into the slowed vehicle. Luckily, nothing was oncoming.
Very lucky, actually, given the number of dump trucks that were plying their way back and forth on the two lane highway. The traffic was heavy most of the day, and at one point a small dog ran across traffic to investigate Sandy as a threat. It returned to its owner, barely missing the wheels of a large truck. Much more of the same kind of road lies ahead, and for safety's sake, the dangerous portions will most likely be skipped. There is enough mileage in the "training bank" to cover -- and besides, the whole point of the walk is awareness, not injury or fatality.
Earlier in the day a woman who was in one of the industrial guard shacks came out to the street to greet Sandy, noting that she had seen her on TV. Another person called the house and left a tip - walk with your socks inside out. That way the seam will not leave a mark on your feet.
June 10, 2009 (Day 3) -- Rain, lightning and thunder
Arrived in Ghent, Ky., safe, sound and soggy. Lots of rain, lightning and thunder. Got a sandwich at lunch but forgot recovery foods and stretches. I want to thank Jenna for walking the whole 20 miles with me when she didn't have to walk in all of the yuck.
Huge thanks to Robert and Sandy May for wonderful accommodations, and for taking Erin and me out to dinner. Sandy took some of our PSP handouts to church. I'm grateful to the county executive for passing along the information. Also, another tip - be sure to change socks when your feet are wet, especially when you have 10 pair of clean socks in the car.
June 9, 2009 (Day 2) - Encounter with dogs
(Sandy's thoughts as told to Terry)
The doberman encounter dominated the conversation. The dog came off the porch in a threatening way. Sandy pulled off her sunglasses to stare down the dog, and rattled, she looked for Erin (in the support car) and next, her air horn. The dog stopped immediately at that sound blast.
That wasn't the only dog of the day. Erin and Sandy ran into two other dogs - friendly "polar bear dogs," they were called. They jumped up, paws on the car door window, smelling the gorp. Not bad dogs at all.
The day was beautiful, the walk went well, covering a lot of distance in only 8.5 hours. Sandy and Erin spent the night at a friend's house in Buckner. They'll be getting up early for the drive to Bedford, and the walk to Carrollton.
June 8, 2009 -- The first day was wonderful from beginning to end.
VIDEO BLOG
Terry arranged a wonderful send-off, notifying many folks I didn’t even know he was contacting -- people from Church, speech pathologists, Girl Scouts, friends and family. He had arranged for Kyle to call during the send-off too. Dr. Houghton from the U of L Movement Disorders Clinic spoke and Reverend Jean Davidson was able to say a blessing for the send-off. Everything was overwhelming. Those of you who know me know I am never at a loss for words. But today I was grasping for any words. There weren’t enough to say thank you.
This whole walk is about awareness, and word was able to get out to the community because 4 different television crews were present at the send off. I was so glad Dr. Houghton was able to provide additional information about the disease and the program offered through U of L. Lots of folks walked down the block with me and a few walked farther – Ann DelPrince walked 7 miles with me. It was so nice to have Faline Hill, Cathy Mekus, Susan LaForge, Carol Hyatt and Cheryl Van Daalen walk a distance with me. Terry and Megan walked with me most of the day too. Erin drove the support car beautifully, going back and forth all day between home and route, and Scott actually wore the lime green t-shirt!
It was great to see so many people supporting me and this cause. I do very much appreciate every one of you who attended today.
June 5, 2009 -- Terry and I met with Dr. Houghton from the University of Louisville Movement Disorders Clinic.
For my send-off, Dr. David Houghton will be saying a few words about PSP. He's a very intelligent, very engaging physician who works alongside Dr. Litvan. When we spoke with him today he seemed very excited about a drug trial that is underway. I am looking forward to his words on Monday.
On Sunday, my church, Springdale Presbyterian, is going to "commission" me. That's what the church does for people who are going on a mission. Our interim pastor Rev. Carl Horton will be here on Monday.
If you check the calendar I have been updating it, listing the initials of the people who are putting me up for overnight accommodations.
Everybody keeps asking, "How do you feel? You're leaving on Monday!" I try to take it one step at a time. If I think about the whole journey it is just too overwheming. I am trying to pack, to get everything today. I am ready to get on with it. It should be an adventure.
May 31, 2009 - Well, it is the end of May and my time to “walk the walk” is almost here.
Physically and mentally I feel as ready as I can be. | 
