History
My Mother and Father
Welcome, My name is Jim Hickey.
In early July, 2008 I will attempt a 4th walk across America for Cancer Research in memory of my father, whom I lost in September of 1995 to prostate cancer. Six months after I lost my dad, my brother--at age 41--was also diagnosed with prostate cancer and had successful surgery in September of 1996. I am also promoting Cystic Fibrosis Research in honor of a 10 year old North Carolina girl named Victoria (my personal hero!).
My first attempt to walk across the country started April 30th, 1998 in Middletown, NY and ended July 30th 2001 in Clovis, NM after walking 2,154 miles.
My second time around, I began walking September 5th, 2001 in Washington, DC and ended June 5th 2003 in Denver, CO after walking 2,282 miles.
My third try began November 30th, 2003 in Virginia Beach, VA and ended November 30th, 2004 in Hopkinsville, KY after 1,101 miles. In all I walked 5,537 miles across America to promote cancer research awareness.
I was able to promote this through the media, 88 local TV stations including headline news in March, 2002, 151 local newspapers including papers in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, Des Moines, Kansas City, Omaha, Cheyenne, Wichita, Denver, Amarillo, Raleigh, Charlotte, Marietta, GA and Nashville along with over 50 radio stations'
I was able to dedicate portions of my walk to 16 children and one family who I heard needed help along the way, so I used my walk as a platform to help them. I spoke to over 30 schools, elementary through college, and encouraged students to make a difference in whatever is close to their hearts; to follow their dreams and not to ever give up. Sports teams were also helpful to the cause including the Colorado Avalanche, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Atlanta Braves, the Charlotte Checkers and the Huntsville Stars.
I gave up everything I had in order to do these walks which I did alone with a 50 lb. backpack and, aside from 400 miles, with no trail vehicle, which is what stopped my previous three attemps. That and having no permanent sponsor made it so I'd have to cross the desert alone.
***I am crazy, but not THAT crazy***
I supported myself through 20 jobs along the way, help from the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the American Legion, and the Loyal Order of Moose (I am a member of all three and a former U.S. Marine), and the sale of T-shirts on my third try and now the fourth. I'm still looking for the one sponsor who'll help me make it the whole way.
I take no donations for cancer research myself; instead I'm asking people to visit www.curesearch.org or www.cityofhope.org for cancer and the Boomer Esiason Foundation for Cystic Fibrosis. Although I don't belong to either organization, I prefer those three. Any other organization that is close to your heart will be just as fine. Please don't forget to mention Jim Hickey's Walk Across America when donating. Also, ESPN will do a story on my walk along the way.
You will be able to keep track of my walk at www.cancerwalkusa.com or on the Liquid Todd show on Sirius Satellite Radio on channel Boombox 34.
Thank You for your help in finding a cure for cancer step by step!
