What is this fundraiser?
In the spirit of who he was, "Hikes with Dad" is a 52-hike challenge for 2020, where donors can sponsor me for a certain dollar amount per hike completed, a recurring donation, or a one-time gift. The goal is to complete 52 hikes within the calendar year of 2020, and raise $5200 in the process. As Dad was all about sharing his experiences, "special guests" are more than welcome, and encouraged, to hike with me!
I would love to show guests hikes I have been on, as well as having guests share their favorite hikes with me! There is no requirement to donate if you are on the hike with me, but I would love it if I could post a picture and brief bio on this site.
Why Fred Hutch?
25 years ago, Dad was first diagnosed with Melanoma (skin cancer). He was given a 39% chance for survival. Due to the first experimental Interferon trials at the Hutch, he gained 25 years of life. I am so grateful to this organization for those years. Dad got to hike the Grand Canyon, fish and dig clams, see me get married (twice!) and run a family fantasy football league (the DFFL). This is just a sampling of the things he got to experience, thanks to Fred Hutch.
Okay, I'm in! How much do I donate, and when?
This fundraiser is intended to be incremental, similar to a Relay for Life event; I am requesting donations after each hike is completed. That said, scheduled recurring gifts, and lump-sum one-time gifts are most welcome as well. As to the amount, no amount is too small...every penny is a slap in the face to cancer.
If I choose to donate incrementally, how do I know when to donate after a hike is completed?
I am a firm believer in the phrase "pics, or it didn't happen!" Each time a hike is completed, I will post pictures, descriptions of the hike, and bios for any guests on the trail in the “Hikes” section of this website. I will also send notifications to any donors who would be comfortable with providing me with their email address. My email is pdodd56@gmail.com . If you would rather have an easier option for a donation that involves less tracking, Fred Hutch has an option for a recurring donation in their payment form.
After I've donated, where does the money go?
100% of the money generated from this fundraiser will go to general curative cancer research at Fred Hutch. There are three reasons behind this designation.
My dad died of metastatic melanoma. My uncle died of metastatic breast cancer. My cousin is fighting metastatic kidney cancer. My neighbor is a survivor of non-Hodgekins lymphoma, and one of my dad's best friends is a survivor of leukemia. I hate all cancer equally.
I am sick and tired of playing defense to cancer with temporary treatments and palliative care. As necessary as these things are, it is time for me to attack and take the fight to it.
I firmly believe that every breakthrough in one type of cancer has the potential to provide a stepping stone to breakthroughs in other types.
I want to hike with you! How do I get in contact?
I want to hike with you too! :) I live in the greater Seattle area of the Pacific Northwest in Washington State. Shoot me an email at pdodd56@gmail.com, or message me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patrick.dodd1 . I am willing to drive to most places in western Washington.
What happens if I complete all 52 hikes, and we raise $5,200?
Well, now you've done it. That means you have put me on the hook to summit Mt. Rainier in 2021. That will be a separate fundraiser for another time, but if we meet our fundraising goals, I will commit to climbing that mountain.