A Clarksville man has laced up his shoes, and is pounding the pavement across Middle Tennessee to raise money to help a child battling cancer.
Seth Mayer left Clarksville Saturday evening with a goal of walking 1,000 miles and reaching Miami on Jan. 18. “A Thousand Miles” is also the name of his ministry.
“’A Thousand Miles,’ it started out as a simple walk for a family in need, and it ended up as a ministry of hope and love,” said Mayer.
While dodging traffic along Murfreesboro Road in Antioch on day three of his journey, the army veteran was in good spirits.
Mayer has mapped out his journey and plans to walk about 15 to 20 miles a day, and take a break every seventh day. He was armed with a backpack filled with essential items and a tent.
Mayer is raising money to help Daniel Burgess, 11, from Antioch. He has medulloblastoma which is a type of brain and spine cancer. He has already endured multiple surgeries and rounds of treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Mayer met Burgess at his church, Priest Lake Christian Fellowship, and decided he wanted to dedicate the walk to helping Burgess and his family with medical expenses.
“They were a little surprised by the whole idea, but they are grateful as well,” said Mayer. “I spend a lot of my time praying for him and his family and other people I’ve met and heard from along the way.”
Mayer said he knows the days ahead will be long and challenging, but he is determined to stay focused.
“It doesn’t always feel achievable, but it is achievable,” said Mayer. “As long as I keep putting one foot in front of the other, just like anything else.”
This is the second time Mayer has taken on this type of challenge. Last year, he did a similar walk to raise money for a single mother with cancer.
For more information on Mayer’s walk, or to donate money click here. For updates on Burgess’ treatment click here.
