Cancer Survivor/Military Veterans Plan Grueling 4-month Hike Through The Appalachian Trail To Benefit Cancer Survivors

    VISTA, CA, November 12, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The duo is set to traverse all 2,180 miles of the Appalachian trail beginning on April 26th 2014 in support of the charity Cancer for College, a foundation that provides college scholarships to cancer survivors.

"I will be hiking the historic Appalachian Trail in an effort to raise both money and awareness for a cause that has touched me personally and that I care greatly about," said Cox, 22, a childhood Leukemia survivor who holds the military rank of Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Fleet Marine Service (HM3 FMF). He currently works as a personal medical assistant to former President George H.W Bush.

"As a survivor I believe that there is no better group of individuals to invest your money in, as these kids have seen firsthand how meaningful life truly is and are now forever motivated to use that gift to better the world around them.

The journey will take an estimated four months beginning in Georgia and ultimately passing through 14 states on their way to Maine with the duo camping along the way. The elevation gain and loss on the trail is equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times. Only one in four hikers actually completes the trail successfully. HM3 FMF Cox and Lance Corporal Harlan hope to raise $100,000 for the charity with their efforts.

"I have known pain, and these survivors have too," said Lance Cpl. Harlan, 24, who was injured in the line of duty while serving as a United States Marine in Afghanistan. "It's only fair that these survivors be given every opportunity to succeed in life."

HM3 FMf Cox and Lance Cpl. Harlan found Cancer for College by chance while searching the web for causes to support. They were both moved by the organization's mission to help survivors overcome the burdens associated with cancer and realize the dream of a college education. HM3 FMF Cox and Lance Cpl. Harlan plan to share their story and provide updates through Cancer for College's Facebook page, Twitter (@CFCcharity) and Instagram.

Cancer for College was founded in 1993 by two-time cancer survivor and double amputee Craig Pollard. Pollard saw first hand how cancer can not only devastate a family physically and emotionally, it can destroy them financially as well. Every resource goes toward getting the child well, often leaving nothing for a college education. Since its inception Cancer for College has granted nearly $2 million in scholarships to more than a thousand cancer survivors across the country. To learn more about Cancer for College visit www.cancerforcollege.org.

To read more about Cox and Harlan's story, please visit http://www.crowdrise.com/HikeforCFC/fundraiser/cancerforcollege1

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