A trail journal and photo documentary about my Southbound A.T. Hike after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor
February 2012 I was diagnosed with an inoperable grade II brain tumor. The doctor told me I would have 3 - 5 years of medicine controlled symptoms before things started to go south.
So with that diagnosis I decided to "go south" a little earlier.
Less than 1000 people total have completed a thru-hike headed southbound on the Appalachian Trail and as far as I can tell I will be the first to attempt it with an active brain tumor. A Southbound thru-hike usually starts in June or July on top of Mount Katahdin in Maine and travels approximately 2,184 miles to Springer Mountain in Georgia finishing up by late November.
The plan is to write a book and a companion photo journal based off my experiences on the trail. I am sure there will be complications, drama, fun and hopefully a new outlook on life for people who refuse to let cancer dictate their daily being.
My Life with a tumor blog is www.going-south.org
I will also be keeping a trail journal on the Dusty Camel Website
Facebook fan page for the books: https://www.facebook.com/goingsouthAT
My Twitter feed: @beholderbill
As it stands right now I will be using Lulu.com for my publishing needs and sending my trail notes back home to base camp to be edited and typed up as I go so should the unthinkable happen on the trail the book and the attempt stays on record. With your help you can make my dream come true and help others facing impossible odds realize that a diagnosis is not the end of the story it is just the beginning.
FAQ
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You should contact me directly via email - goingsouthhiker@gmail.com
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The cost for publishing a book using Lulu.com with professional layout, as well as the cost for a South Bound Thru Hike meaning from Maine to Georgia starting in June 2012 and running until Late November early December 2012.
Lulu.com Cost - $1600 with layout
Alternative #1 - Lulu.com cost w/ full editing and Layout $4600
Aternative #2 - Lulu.com cost with professional writing help and publishing consultants $7500
Lulu.com publishing - about $15 per book
Typical Thru hike Equipment - About $1500- $2000
Typical Thru Hike Supplies - about $4000
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I have no idea but I will be open, honest and try to be as interesting as possible while hiking a 2000+ mile trek. I plan to explore the mental aspects of hiking the trail and it's effects on me in regards to my mental and physical well being. I will be keeping a running blog at http://www.thedustycamel.org/bill/ so you can get a sense of my writing style
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Probably not, but I refuse to sit around and wait for my body to degrade and let others worry about me.
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None, I am working on getting into basic trail shape and this will probably be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It is quite possible I may not make it, in fact very few who start actually do. But with a strong support structure and a ton of great people helping me, as well as the hope for a little "Trail Magic" I will do my best.
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If the entire project makes it to 10k total and nobody has claimed the reward Yes, since my loving wife and loyal fark.com reader saw fit to post it on there I will grant the farker's the vote. My trail name will be emblazoned across 14 states in trail logs and published in a book!
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While the companionship and hiking prowess of the Argentinian women is legendary, I only speak English and I actually love my wife. My wife has however agreed to let me call her Gabriela when she visits me on the trail.
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If the question means will the tumor actually pack gear, then no the tumor is lodged in my head and cannot move to physically pack gear. If you mean am I packing gear for the tumor? The the answer is YES I will be packing anti convuslants, steroids as prescribed and anything else the doctors tell me I need for it. Also I am looking for a small backpack to wear on my head so it does not feel left out..
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Only if Tim McGraw says it's ok..
177
Backers
$10,445
pledged of $6,000 goal
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Funding period
Mar 21, 2012 -
Apr 16, 2012
Pledge $5 or more
9 backers
Special on the trail facebook group, email, and twitter updates as well as access to exclusive photo's taken along the trail.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2012Pledge $12 or more
10 backers All gone!
SUPER LIMITED EDITION SALE - If you invest at this level you will get one copy of The Going South book signed and numbered. THESE SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION REWARDS ARE NOT A PART OF THE PACKAGE DEALS BELOW
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $12 or more
5 backers Limited (5 of 10 left)
SUPER LIMITED EDITION SALE - If you invest at this level you will get one copy of The Going South Photo Journal signed and numbered. THESE SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION REWARDS ARE NOT A PART OF THE PACKAGE DEALS BELOW
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $25 or more
59 backers
The previous reward and 1 (One) Copy of the finished book. I will also mention you in special supporter pages at the back of the book.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $49 or more
0 backers Limited (50 of 50 left)
1 Copy of the book Plus a Going South - Art Print for the book release from world renowned rock poster artist Jermaine Rogers. Limited to a run of 50 posters signed and numbered. Artwork for the poster is being worked on but trust me it will be amazing. check out www.jermainerogers.com for examples of his artwork. Limited Edition Reward Added for the final 24 Hours of the Kickstarter!! Not part of the bundle packages
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $50 or more
44 backers
All of the previous rewards and the printed photo journal that serves as a companion to the book.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $100 or more
2 backers Limited (18 of 20 left)
1 Copy of the book plus a Going South - ((FOIL EDITION)) Art Print from world renowned rock poster artist Jermaine Rogers. Limited to a run of 20 posters printed on special foil stock signed and numbered. Artwork for the poster is being worked on but trust me it will be amazing. check out www.jermainerogers.com for examples of his artwork. Limited Edition Reward added for the final 24 hours of the Kickstarter!! Not part of the bundle packages
Estimated delivery: Mar 2013Pledge $150 or more
19 backers Limited (6 of 25 left)
All of the previous rewards, an extra copy of the book and photo journal, and special dedication in the front of the book rather than the back.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
All of the previous rewards, PLUS I will take a picture at both ends of the trail with a sign featuring a message of your choice to be included in the book and photo journal. I will also carry a (Very) small rock from Mount Katahdin to Springer mountain and either deposit it @Springer in the name of a person of your choosing or send it to you. you will also be sent some pages of my handwritten journal on which the book will be based.
Estimated delivery: Jun 2013
