HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. (AP) – A hiker venturing more than 2,000 miles along the Appalachian Trail to raise money for charity has reached her journey’s unofficial halfway point.

Devon Struck, 27, wants to raise $50,000 for brain injury research by hiking the 2,176 miles from Georgia to Maine. She began a five-day layover Wednesday in this Jefferson County town, considered the midpoint of the 17-state trail.

“I know I can reach Kathadin,” Struck said. “And I know we can raise $50,000 if we put our minds to it.” She increased her original goal of $22,000 after nearly reaching it midway through the journey.

“Goals are supposed to be a stretch, and besides, brain injury research really is expensive,” Struck said.

Struck began the hike in March on Georgia’s Springer Mountain and plans to reach the summit of Mount Kathadin in September. She carries a cellular phone, a pocket-sized e-mail machine and a 27-pound backpack.

“My biggest concern on the trail is, ‘did I leave a candy bar in my coat pocket?”‘ Struck said. “My biggest enemy is the mouse who wants to chew through my pack in a shelter.”

The native of Columbia, Md., says she spent a year training for the hike.

The inspiration for Struck’s journey comes from 34-year-old Columbia resident Stephanie Gianfagna, an automobile accident victim who has been in a coma for 13 years.

Gianfagna’s mother is handling Struck’s food supply, sending her packages containing six days’ worth of food to post offices along the trail.

About 5.3 million Americans live with disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injury, according to the Brain Injury Association of America.

So far, about 400 donors have contributed, she said.

“I have just been overwhelmed by the generosity of people, from the donors to the trail angels, who put out sodas and other refreshments along the way, to others who have driven 15 miles out of their way just to give me a lift,” she said.



On the Net:

Devon’s walk: www.devonswalk.org

AP-ES-06-19-03 1245EDT


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