A Journey of Hope Along the Appalachian Trail
The Trail Provides is the story of a mission and a journey to hike the entirety of the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in honor of Troy's father who was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. In May of 2017, the day after graduating from college and with no prior backpacking experience, he started and then later completed the trail in only 107 days to honor his father and fundraise for cancer research.
Ended
There are a handful of memoirs telling of thru-hikers’ journeys along the 2,200 mile Appalachian Trail extending from Georgia to Maine, but many of these stories are more like a guidebook for readers to illustrate that anyone with enough fortitude can accomplish the entire trail. Readers are lacking in stories that show the true beauty of the trail, the grueling drudgery of continuous walking, and most importantly the community of people who make the trail a life changing experience for all who undertake it. Another aspect many of the other trail books fail to ascertain is finding a reason for the thru-hiker to take the hike. It is commonly said that people who thru-hike the Appalachian Trail are running to something or from something, but many hikers who fail to complete the entire trail do so because they never find their ‘why’ for hiking in the first place. As Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why can overcome almost any how.” The hikers who set out with a purpose for hiking the trail are able to stay focused and determined in achieving their goal of becoming thru-hikers.
My book bridges the gap for readers looking for more than just a guide to hiking the Appalachian Trail or the story of someone setting out on a journey just for the fun of it. My story provides a ‘why’ immediately. I lay out a reason for my hike, a powerfully motivating factor for my journey, which is to raise money for cancer research and honor my father diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer. I lay out the things I took on my hike, the daily struggle of what seemed like non-stop walking, and the incredibly motivating and generous people whose help along the way kept me strong enough to finish in only 107 days. While it is said the Appalachian Trail attracts people running to or from something, it attracted me because I was running for something. I was running to do what I felt would best show the world what a great man my father was and to help bring awareness to cancer research in hope that no other person would have to go through what my father did.
My experience is very specific to my father and me, and the journey we took together can only be described by me. The literal blood, sweat, and tears we both shed throughout my 2,200 mile trek and his daily battle with cancer have given me insights into the joy people can bring into our lives and the agony left by their absence. Not only can I explain the experience of completing a daunting, months-long hike, but I am also able to share what it is like to undertake such a task solely to honor someone else. Because cancer affects so many people in the world, it is important to raise as much awareness and funds to end this disease as possible. My experience with my father’s diagnosis helped me understand what so many other people have had to cope with as well. This book will also be a guide to illustrate to the many people struggling with cancer that there is hope, and it helps show one of many ways to raise awareness and get one step closer to ending cancer forever.
This book is written for outdoor lovers and adventurers who want to witness the trials a son and his father withstood to show the love they had for one another. It is also for people who have experienced a family member or friend diagnosed with cancer and illustrates to them that while the illness itself can be cured only through medical treatment, that family member or friend's mental wellbeing can be greatly improved through all of our actions and care given to them. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/statistics. https://appalachiantrail.org/explore/hike-the-a-t/thru-hiking/2000-milers/.
As a thru-hiker of the 2,200 mile long Appalachian Trail, Troy completed something only a few thousand others have been able to accomplish. Not only that, but his journey helped raise close to $7,000 for cancer research as he partnered with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The trials of the trail gave Troy only a slight idea of the struggle his father was experiencing daily with his cancer treatments, but it also gave hope to his father to continue each day.
Troy's aim is to show people that wealth and status are not necessary in changing lives and making the world a better place. The only thing necessary is having a reason and a purpose for doing so. His mission is to show others that anything can be accomplished if we have the proper motivation for attempting change and the grit and tenacity to stick to our goals when challenges present themselves.
A longtime runner and adherent to stoicism, Troy credits his success on the Appalachian Trail and in life to the his friends, family, and the many people around him. Without others, our existence is certainly a sad one, and he hopes everyone finishes this book recognizing the importance of cultivating relationships throughout life.
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Everyone,
I write to you to apologize for the delay in getting this book out to you, and to ask for a bit more patience from you. …
Everyone,
Thanks again for helping me get to my goal of 500+ preorders. Now the great folks at Publishizer will query publishers who will then reach …
I have just over 48 hours left in my campaign, and I am less than 80 preorders away from having my book pitched to over 100 traditional …
We have almost just one week left until my campaign is over. I have to reach 500 pre-orders before February 12th! Please get a copy and share this …
Everybody,
Thank you again for your support in this endeavor. Please please keep sharing my campaign with everyone you know, and more than anything please …
Everybody,
We are over 100 pre-orders in less than 2 days!! This progress is HUGE. Thank you for sharing my story and this campaign. And please …
Everybody,
We are over 100 preorders in less than 2 days!! This progress is HUGE. Thank you for sharing my story and this campaign. Please keep …
Atta boy!
Love you, Troy! And proud of you for putting your story down on paper.
Good luck Troy! I am so excited for you! This is a huge accomplishment!
You are an inspiring person and a great friend. Victor and I can’t wait to read your work!
Really excited to read this!
Good luck with you venture. This is a great idea.
Gary
Good luck with your efforts. You have made a difference. I know your father is very proud of you.
Steve “Survivor” Millsaps
Love you, bud. Proud of you and hope this goes well!
So proud of you Troy! I look forward to reading the book!
Hi We are friends of Donald and Maylea
Phil and Sylvia
Best wishes for much success Troy! Can’t wait to read of your adventure. My youngest son was planning on walking the trail, but unfortunately his dream never came to fruition.
Proud of all of your accomplishments, Troy. I wish you and your family the best.
Jarod
I will be anxious to read your story. Give my best to your Mom. She and I worked together in Boone. Best of luck to you. Bob Michaud
Way to go Troy!
deb schablik
Congrats on the book. Look forward to reading it.
Congratulations on doing this! I look forward to reading your book!
I am super proud of you! Can’t wait to read your book!
Troy! We have to catch up!!! So happy for you!
Kim Porter
I am so proud of you. Pam Gildrie
Proud of you Troy!!! You’re a fine young man!
T.
Good luck!
Can’t wait to read your story Troy...you and your Dad will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget Danny....thank you for letting me be one of his caregivers. Love you!
Beyond happy for my Brother Troy!
Wow, Troy! I'm looking forward to reading your book. Super proud of you!!! :-)
So excited for you and so excited to read this!
I am very proud of you, and excited to read about your journey. Congratulations on the upcoming book release!
Wising you much success,
Barbara Jenkins
Congratulations on your accomplishment!! I know you have worked very hard to get to where you are now. I gladly support you because in 2020, my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in May and is responding well to treatment. In October, he was diagnosed with stage 2C melanoma and is currently doing well. Thank you for all your hard work to fight cancer!!
Always happy to support. Keep kicking ass!
Best of luck! Excited to follow your adventures throughout the book
Happy to see you complete this labor of love in honor and memory of your dad. Congratulations!
So proud of you Troy! Can't wait to read your story.
Yay, Troy! So proud of you and this amazing accomplishment. Can’t wait to read!
Troy, this is amazing! Such a cool achievement, and for an even better cause. I sincerely hope you’re doing well and hope our paths cross again someday! Until then, keep hiking and staying a badass.
Proud of you Troy! We love you!
Can’t wait to read about all of your adventures.
Let’s go!!! Can’t wait to read it - pumped for you!
Best wishes!
Congratulations!
Keep at it man, so proud to see you keep pursuing this! Hope you’re well!
-Matthew Morris
Looking forward to reading it!
Excited for you! Can’t wait to read it! -Shannon
Just preordered! So excited to read about your story.
Best wishes from Germany ;)
David Finch recommended the book, and I look forward to getting it!
Hello sir! I am extremely proud of all you accomplished. So glad that I could find a way to support. Continue to be the amazing human that I know you are!
-Michael B
Good luck, Troy! Can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations Troy!
I’m excited to read the book!
Troy, can’t wait to read your book. Thanks for putting it out there, and I hope my purchase helps a tiny bit. Good luck man!
Congratulations Troy on publishing your book! I can 't wait to read it! Melony Colquitt
Can't wait to read - hope some day we can talk about it in person. Good luck always.
Very Cool!!! I don’t know if you remember me...I work for The Pour Guys...but mostly I’m an avid hiker!!! Congrats!!!
I’m a friend of your moms, and followed your hike online. I’m excited to read more about your adventure... God Bless you for doing this in your fathers memory.
Best of luck on your goals. Looking forward to reading your book.
April Check
(Family friend of Devin Finch)
Good luck with your publication.
Thanks to Eric (a good friend of my niece) for posting this. Happy to support you and read your story.
My best to you all,
Laura
Congratulations on your book, Troy! My parents and siblings knew your father well, and I a excited to share with them as well.
I can't wait to see Troy's wisdom poured out on the pages! Love you!!
Troy best of luck I know this will be a great read, much love. Congratulations on writing a book and getting married!
Proud of you boss and excited to hear your journey!
Can’t wait to read the book!
MikeC
Very proud of you.
Way to go Troy! Really proud of your tribute to your dad and your accomplishments!!!! What an experience!!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Your dad was my first AP when I started working at EES in 2006. He always made things lively and I loved him. I think what you did to honor him was amazing.
Troy,
Congratulations on your marriage.
I am so excited for you. You know how much Danny meant to our High School family. Our 40th reunion is coming up & planning it will not be the same without your dad. I cant wait to read your book. Take care.
Love always, De from Dr. Collins office
Looking forward to reading the book. Was in the Guard with your dad for many years. Much respect for you both!
Best wishes Troy... I look forward to reading your story...
We are so proud of you and we love you so much!
Troy, Great Job! So Proud of you!!!
So proud of you. Great article today in the Daily Times.
Chip and Zac
Hey Troy... So happy to see this coming to fruition! And congratulations on marriage. Woot! Life changes galore, huh!
Best to you/y'all,
Bryan, Diane, and Meagan
Great job Troy! Looking forward to reading about your journey. We’re proud of you!
-Uncle Bud and Paige
Way to go, Troy Boy. I love to keep up with you. I'm so proud of all your accomplishnents. Take care, Patti Clevenger.
I am so sorry about your dad. This is such a good cause. I am a retired nurse and an '02 AT thru hiker. Best of luck and blessings toward accomplishing your goal. Gloria Marquez/Walkinglory.
Troy, I'm so proud of you and I can't wait to read this! I love you!
Go get it bud, you deserve it.
So exited to read this! Congrats, Troy!!
<3
Looking forward to reading the book. Thank you for writing it and sharing your experience.
Congrats Troy! Wonderful mission and cause! Cannot wait to read your book!
Anxious to read your book! Hope to see you and your family some time soon! Congrats on your marriage!! ❤️
Yay! So excited to see this book and amazing story get off the ground! I can’t wait to read!
Saw your story on WBIR. Awesome story and what a wonderful tribute to your dad. I love hiking myself so it caught my ear. Best wishes!
I have always wanted to hike the AT. I have been on parts of it, but not the entire trail.
My daughter had been successfully fighting thyroid cancer for almost 2 years. She is winning this battle.
I look forward to reading about your journey and sharing your experiences.
God bless you.
Good luck!!
Blount county native as well. Good luck with the book.
Good luck on this! Love you
Look forward to reading it...I graduated from Maryville High in 1981...with your mom...i know she is very proud of you...you need to make more of the Tshirts.
Hi Troy!
I'm so excited to read your book! I've been keeping up with you via Sara since you guys graduated! I'm thrilled for you!
Can’t wait to read it! So proud if you!
Much happiness as you start this next
stage in your life.
Dr. Ferguson
So very excited for you!!!! Good luck
Deb
Hi Troy, We saw your story on WBIR Channel 10 and were touched by your love for your Dad.
We will be pulling for you and praying for your family and book. Thank You for sharing!
Hey Troy!
James, Chris, Rob, and I met you on the trail and hiked a portion of the GA section with ya. I remember you barreling in to our camp and collapsing having just hiked on your first day what we hiked in two! Awesome to hear you finished strong. Congrats on your book and we wish you the best of luck in your mission and life !
Daniel Coyle
Troy,
We met on the trail in the Georgia section. I recall following your journey from home on Instagram and now I really look forward to reading about it. Wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Rob
Thanks Troy. This is great what you’re doing. I’ve know Danny since 2nd grade. Long time 😀
Ian and I got the buddy plan! We are so excited to read your book and are happy to support this project. We wish you the best!
JLM
What an inspiring story! I am excited to read your book. I’ve pre-purchased in honor of my fellow South Carrick RA, Jeannie Hopper, who is a cancer survivor. Best of luck getting published.
BabyFace!
So proud of you Troy! Love you!!
Certainly enjoyed having you with us as you were writing your book. You are ‘one of my adopted grandsons’ and I am definitely proud of you.
Grandma Betty
So proud of you! :)
Good luck, Troy! Can’t wait for your book to be published!
Ann Seaman
Looking forward to learning about your journey.
Troooooooooooooy!
Best of luck on this campaign and your book publication.
I’m so proud of you, Troy! You are one smart Smokie!
Susan Best
You go boi
- Taylor K
Congratulations, Troy! This is amazing. Sending you best wishes, my friend.
So close!! You can do this!
can’t wait to read about your adventures!!
So proud of you and so excited for your book! Wishing you all the best!
Cheers,
Linda
Hi Troy
Congrats on completing the book! You're so close to reaching your goal, and I'm excited to see where this could take you. Good luck, and best wishes to you and the family!
Way to go Pretty Boy :)! Looking forward to get my signed copy! Cheers, Blitz
Wooohooo!!!
You can call me Mr. Dog
Go Troy! So glad you've chronicled your AT experience and looking forward to reading it.
Thanks for the update, no worries regarding the delay.
$25
260 readers
Be one of the first 100 people to pre-order and receive 1 signed copy of book.
Includes:
$50
52 readers
For those who want a copy for themselves and a friend, pre-order 2 signed copies with e-book included.
Includes:
$150
13 readers
If you want to be featured in the book as an early contributor, this bonus is for you! It includes 6 signed copies of the book and your name written in the manuscript.
Includes:
$200 Sold out
3 readers
Receive 8 signed copies plus your name in the manuscript. This option also includes two free tickets to a panel with previous thru-hikers discussing preparation and tips to completing a long distance trail.
Includes:
$250
0 readers
Receive 10 copies of the book plus a 30 minute one-on-one call to discuss preparing for any hike or adventure you may be interested in pursuing.
Includes:
$250
1 reader
Receive 10 copies of the book plus a 30 minute one-on-one call to discuss creating a fundraiser for a cause of your choice.
Includes:
$550
0 readers
Receive 22 copies plus your name in the manuscript and a 30 minute one-on-one call plus one free ticket to a panel with previous thru-hikers discussing preparation and tips to completing a long distance trail.
Includes:
$1000
1 reader
Receive 40 copies plus three one-on-one calls to help prepare you for a hike or adventure of your choice and keep you motivated to see the journey through to the end.
Includes:
$1000
0 readers
Receive 40 copies plus three one-on-one calls to help create a fundraiser and see that it progresses toward the goal amount you set out to raise.
Includes:
$1500
0 readers
Receive 60 copies plus three free tickets to a panel with previous thru-hikers discussing preparation and tips to completing a long distance trail.
Includes:
$2500
0 readers
Receive 100 copies and your name included in the manuscript as a special contributor plus in-person assistance in creating a fundraiser and continued support to reach your fundraising goal.
Includes:
$2500
0 readers
Receive 100 copies and your name included in the manuscript as a special contributor plus an in-person overnight hike to prepare for and complete the hike or adventure of your choice.
Includes:
$3500
0 readers
For educators or organizations. Included in the bonus is a special guest lecture from me to the group, direct contact to my personal email for all participants to get in touch with me about questions/goals/etc., and a printed acknowledgment in the book thanking the group for their support.
Includes:
on Jan. 13, 2021, 11:26 a.m.
Love you man!