A Fundraiser in Honor of Matt's Uncle
Matt Schleicher lost his uncle, Alfie Garrett, to colon cancer in November, 2023. Matt says, “Alf was a uniquely independent man. He was complex, witty, and his taste in punk music was pretty rad. At a time in my life when I really needed it, he was there for me. He was a big part of my life when I was young, and he died way too young.”
Matt had run a few 5K “fun runs” before, and then heard about the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge from his uncle, Dave Salvatore. Dave is an avid adventure racer who was facing his own journey with a rare cancer. Matt decided he would do the challenge to raise awareness and honor his uncles, as well as a friend lost to lung cancer.
The Homestead Challenge is an 18 mile (29 km) hike that forms part of the Rachel Carson Trail, located in western Pennsylvania, USA. The hike includes 4598 feet (1401 meters) ascending and 4445 feet descending (1354 meters) over rough trails. The Challenge takes place annually on the summer solstice, and it was sunny and hot. The high temperature was over 95F (35C) and the heat index was 106F (41C). Only 58% of the Homestead Challenge participants were able to complete the hike, and Matt was one of them!
Matt promoted his fundraiser to friends and family on his social media. Matt raised $582 for each of three different cancer charities, and was able double that to $1164 by taking advantage of employer matching at his employer Thermo Fisher Scientific.
GCCA is so grateful to Matt for his contribution, and we offer our congratulations on this incredible achievement!
Are you interested in supporting the Global Colon Cancer Association? Learn more about the many ways you can help at globalcca.org/donate.