Ben's father, Ray Richardson, passed away May 13, 2008, after a courageous seven month battle with an invasive sinus cancer. He was 58 years old.

In the wake of the trauma caused by the loss of his father, Ben has chosen to heal himself and help support other families touched by cancer. He will hike the Appalachian Trail to raise funds for the American Cancer Society's Support Programs and Services. Cancer treatment is inherently difficult for everybody involved, but it can be more difficult for those without insurance and/or limited financial means. With your support, we can support others...one penny at a time.

• Cancer treatments can easily cost $300,000 per year
• Millions of families go through expensive treatments without any insurance to supplement fees
• ACS Support Programs and Services link patients with groups that supplement these payments

July 2, 2009 - Happy 22nd on the Trail!
PennyBen turns 22 on the trail.

June 28, 2009 - Fear and Gorging in Virginia
To go along with the beautiful sunny days, we’ve also experienced some gorgeous sunsets, especially right along the famous Blue Ridge Mountains and its respective parkway. It is such a simple life out here, but yet still incredibly dynamic.

June 19, 2009 - Wet… and Wild Ponies
Now, getting back to the rain. We talked to some locals, and they have all unanimously stated that this has been the wettest year that they can remember. Bright Eyes and Dooms Day checked their journals, and of the 35 days that we’ve been out here, 27 of them we’ve been rained on.

June 6, 2009 - Overmountain
This is the most beautiful area that I have ever been in. Absolutely incredible. Tonight, I’m staying in a massive converted red barn that can hold a hundred hikers if need be. It hosts a view that goes for miles into a deep valley in between two Appalachian mountains here in Tennessee. It’s amazing.

June 2, 2009 - Hot Springs Break
I just wanted to let you all know that I’m thinking of you while I’m out in Hot Springs, NC! I’ve almost covered 300 miles on the AT so far, and I’ve thought of you guys almost every single mile.

May 29, 2009 - Ten Percent Complete
The smokies are no joke. That’s about the only way I can describe it. About the entire time I am hiking along the mountain ridge, right even with the tree line. It has rained about every single day that I’ve been in here, which makes the really rocky terrain especially difficult and slippery.