Hiking, camping, and fishing were family activities while I was growing up and the Richardson boys have all achieved Eagle Scout status, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America. Needless to say I enjoy the outdoors. Soon after my second oldest brother, Nate, graduated from college, we ventured out on a backpacking trip. My dad, Nate, and I set our eyes on Isle Royale, and didn’t look back! We ventured out one summer morning with forty pound packs on our shoulders, and never were to return the same. This trip was truly incredible, as we literally had to live off the land. Without the luxury of vehicles, cellular telephones, hotels or running water, our outdoorsmen skills were put to the test. Upon our homecoming, we had countless stories to tell, and much rest to catch up on. But even more importantly I had come back a changed person. I was a little bit tougher, a little bit more in tune with myself, and much closer to my Dad and brother. The Isle Royale excursion was a formative trip for me, and an experience that I frequently reminisced upon with Nate and my dad. In the summer of 2007, my dad had promised me that upon my college graduation, we would take another backpacking trip. Only a few months later, my father was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. My father’s cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, quickly spread throughout his sinus cavity, neck, and eventually his brain. My dad, Ray, went through several grueling months of radiation, chemotherapy, and other treatments. Obviously, this exhausted my father, as well as those caring for him. While my family never gave up hope and perpetually kept an optimistic viewpoint, it appeared that my father’s courageous battle with cancer was rapidly drawing to a close. On May 13th, 2008, my father passed away. The process of healing after a death is a lifelong experience. I have vowed to live each day in remembrance of Ray Richardson and live out the legacy that he set before me. Now that my college graduation is a mere nine months away, I am painfully aware that my dad and I will not be able to enjoy the trip we had begun to plan for my graduation gift. Physically, I will not be able to hike with him, but spiritually he will be present as I embark on PennyBen. I have decided to take a hike — a hike to heal. Since healing is such an extended process, I will hike an extended trail. In honor of my father, I will hike all 2,170 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This hike will also be a fundraiser. PennyBen will be a fundraiser to help those fighting cancer. Philanthropy and volunteerism were ideals that my father exemplified, and he would love the idea of a fundraiser that collaborates with his other passion- the outdoors. On May 13th, 2009, I will begin my hike on the Appalachian Trail hoping to fulfilling several dreams. With the help of my family, friends, and those who generously donate to PennyBen, these dreams will come true. The dream of taking a trip with my father upon graduating college. The dream of healing myself while helping others. The dream of living out his spirit. Please, gather your loose change and contribute to PennyBen. Every little bit helps. With your support, we can support others, one penny at a time.