Sunday August 7 2016 – Summit of Wisp in Western Maryland
We stand here about to embark on my 3rd Trek Across Maryland on a beautiful morning. From the top of Maryland’s only ski resort, we about 3,ooo Feet above sea level and over 300 miles from crossing this beautiful state in seven days where I will finish with my feet in the water at Inlet in Ocean City. My purpose, besides my celebrating my own recovery, is to tell the stories of courage children and help raise awareness for the programs that Cool Kids Campaign provides. Today is for Zoe Stauch. With me are Ross Sober and David Larkin to hike 27 miles and bike 14 into Cumberland. I also wanted to show share this moment with some behind the scenes. This includes my crew chief Larry Rogers, plus Donna Larkin and Jane Linde who have helped to put up people to join me every day of this journey. You can track us live on our trek page. Pics and video will be shared on Twitter and Instagram (@justinweather). Also see Mid Atlantic Aerial for drone video from my crew chief Larry Rogers. More on my team members below.
Zoe Stauch
- 5 years old
- Type of cancer: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- Lives in Eldersburg, MD
Zoe is a very spunky, outgoing, loving, full-of-life and incredibly strong 5 1/2 year old little girl who will be starting 1st Grade in late August! She is our only child and on December 23, 2015, 2 days before Christmas, our world was changed forever. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Zoe is currently undergoing treatment at the Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai in Baltimore, MD. We are extremely grateful for the great team of doctors, nurses and support staff that are doing their very best to treat and cure our baby girl of this disease. We are a family of fighters and have an amazing group of people showing us their love, prayers and support as we march forward on this excruciating marathon.
Zoe is very personable and outgoing. She loves to spend her time with family and friends. Her “happy” place is being at the beach. She is a mermaid and water bug by nature and enjoys anything to do with the sun, sand and surf! She loves listening to music, dancing and feeling the wind blow through her hair. She enjoys playing games, watching movies and going out to eat! She loves to cuddle, gives great big hugs and her positive spirit is contagious!
Please see more about today’s trek team below…
Note that the donation page I am sending you is my portion of the team. This is a collective effort and every penny goes to Cool Kids Campaign for programs that benefit pediatric patients and their families.
More About Why I Do This Trek
By the Numbers: Why 14 and 41 play such a big role
Video: My come from behind track victory 3 years after almost losing my leg
Today’s Trekkers
Ross Sober – I met this man buying a bike for my son on Craig’s List. The ironic thing is that I has first asked Jeff Dalik who owns Aviation Velo to help me since he was instrumental in my bike upgrade last year. Jeff is also a Cool Kid dad. Well, he put me in touch with Ross… and while I met him, persuaded him to join my trek. He is a stand up guy and I am thrilled to start with him today. Please check out his audio/video and surveillance business page on Facebook: LR Technologies
David Larkin – He is Donna Larkin’s husband. She is co-owner of Tri Sports Junction- a store in Sykesville for triathletes. She helped put up people to join me every single day of the trek and have already raised over $4,000! They are hosting a street party with other merchants when we pass through the Coolest Little Town In America on Wednesday.
Track our Trek
- Trek Home Page– includes live tracking and more background stories.
Live broadcasts will be on Facebook. Most photos throughout the day will be posted on Twitter and Instagram. Videos will be posted on YouTube.
- Twitter: @JustinWeather
- Instagram: justinweather
- Facebook: Justin Berk, Meteorologist
- YouTube: Justin Berk
Get the award winning Kid Weather App I made with my oldest son and support our love for science, weather, and technology. Our 3 year anniversary of the release and our contribution to STEM education is this November. It has been downloaded in 60 countries, and works in both temperature scales. With your support we can expand on the fun introduction to science and real weather.