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Thru-hiking the AT – Layne's World Edition

April - August

This year I will be attempting a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail (AT). This trail traverses 14 different states along the Eastern United States going from Georgia to Maine spanning 2,197.9 miles.

The reason I am hiking the AT is because of my dad, Layne Oliff. He instilled in me the love of nature. He was an avid trail runner, hiker, cyclist and an all-around lover of nature himself. He was diagnosed with PLS in 2017 and ALS in 2020. He passed in April of 2025. Watching him lose his motor function and go from someone who can run, jump, and climb to being in a wheelchair was incredibly difficult.

My dad and I spent time talking about life, nature and the Appalachian Trail. Hiking the AT was on his bucket list but one item he was never able to complete. I decided that if he couldn’t walk the AT, I would walk in honor of him. We had many conversations about this, and now I am attempting this thru-hike to honor his memory and as a fundraiser for ALS.

From diagnosis, my dad spent much of his time and energy advocating for those with ALS. This hike honors both his love of nature and his dedication to the ALS community. I have chosen to have donations go to Compassionate Care ALS. CCALS is a great organization that provides the much-needed support for those diagnosed with ALS and their families. This support includes equipment, support groups, and education. My parents received support from CCALS, and firmly supported and believed in the mission and the important work of CCALS.

Please consider supporting me, honoring my father, and supporting those with ALS by donating to this worthwhile cause. Follow my progress here and on Instagram @bmountains_23.

Total:

$6,785.63

Contributors

Bob Lyons
Joni Akselrad
Rachel Stone
Julia Kim
Caryn Nacht
Lori Heller
margie and paul dubner
margie and paul dubner
Michael Oliff
Sheila Romain
Donna Perch
Leo and Sheryl Morton
Kelsey Solomon
Jeff & Esther Craven
Anne and Mike ONeill
Judy Lasher
Ellen Shapiro
Raya & Ed Warner
Matt & Tali Axelrod
Marianne Dammert
Jeryl Chico
Don & Martha Pollak
Max Heitner
Rich & Lori Skoller
Annette Krell
Callie Campbell
Laurie and Saul Heitner
Matt Meserole
Laura Queller
Mark Michaels
Marianne and Rick Dammert
Marianne and Rick Dammert
Carol Koransky
Cathy and Bill Dudley
Gary Kalina
Ali Lasher
Jess Geller
reed oliff
reed oliff
Samantha Matthews-McCarty
Carla Frisch
Miriam Becker-Cohen
Miriam Becker-Cohen
Noreen Wickwire
Ellen and Marty Romm
Janet and Larry Sills
Ronnie Goland
Cynthia and Marc Plawker
Michelle Sumner
Jacob Fenton

Comments

"Like father, like son, both are total inspirations. Happy Trails! - All my love Bob Lyons"
- Bob Lyons

"We love you and your Dad"
- Joni Akselrad

"Hi Brandon, First, I am so very sorry for your loss. You don’t know me, but my husband and I are also section hikers on the AT, and we are marathon runners as well. My husband passed away in March 2026. Like me, he loved hiking and running marathons, and he dreamed of someday completing the entire AT and running the Boston Marathon. He was diagnosed in February 2025 and lost his ability to walk in October. This past April, I ran the Boston Marathon in his honor. While our stories are different, I understand the heartbreak of losing someone who shared dreams and passions. My heart truly aches for you and your family. Best of luck on the hike."
- Julia Kim

"What a great way to honor your dad and raise awareness. Go Brandon"
- Caryn Nacht

"in loving memory of your dad"
- margie and paul dubner

"in loving memory of your dad"
- margie and paul dubner

"Brandon, what a great way to honor and remember your dad. I'm certain his spirit is walking every step with you! Donna & Murray Perch"
- Donna Perch

"Brandon, what a wonderful tribute to your dad, our brother. Always in our hearts..... Uncle Leo and Aunt Sheryl"
- Leo and Sheryl Morton

"Brandon your father would be so proud of you."
- Jeff & Esther Craven

"Looking forward to hearing all about your adventure!!"
- Anne and Mike ONeill

"I think it is wonderful that you are doing this to raise money and awareness of ALS. Your mom and dad touched my heart back in the '80s and will forever have a special place there."
- Marianne Dammert

"Way to go Brandon, with your Dad in your heart and ours as well!"
- Laurie and Saul Heitner

"Amazing tribute. Good luck Brandon!"
- Matt Meserole

"I worked with your mom in the mid-80s at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.. She was in my wedding party.. She and your dad were one of my favorite couples. I think this is such a cool thing for you to do to honor your dad's memory. I'm sure you guys miss him every day! I believe that his spirit will be with you on this hike as raise money and awareness for ALS. May you be blessed with a safe journey and new insights on life and nature.."
- Marianne and Rick Dammert

"I worked with your mom in the mid-80s at Cincinnati Children's Hospital.. She was in my wedding party.. She and your dad were one of my favorite couples. I think this is such a cool thing for you to do to honor your dad's memory. I'm sure you guys miss him every day! I believe that his spirit will be with you on this hike as raise money and awareness for ALS. May you be blessed with a safe journey and new insights on life and nature.."
- Marianne and Rick Dammert

"Wishing you a wonderful and safe hike as you honor your Dad"
- Carol Koransky

"Following you!"
- Cathy and Bill Dudley

"Proud of your Brandon."
- Gary Kalina

"What an amazing tribute. Best wishes for a safe and meaningful journey!"
- Ali Lasher

"In memory of our special friend, Layne. And in recognition of Brandon’s journey."
- Jess Geller

"Your dad is with you during each step of this journey!"
- reed oliff

"Your dad is with you during each step of this journey!"
- reed oliff

"We love you and I know your father is proud of you❤️ We hope we can adventure together again soon"
- Samantha Matthews-McCarty

"Go Brandon! Thinking about your family and your dad. He’d be so proud."
- Miriam Becker-Cohen

"Go Brandon! Thinking about your family and your dad. He’d be so proud."
- Miriam Becker-Cohen

"I didn’t know your dad, but he sounds like a very special man who raised a very special son! Safe travels to you! Your dad is with you every step you take!"
- Ellen and Marty Romm

"Brandon, we are certain your Dad is so proud of you. Own that for the wonderful son you are. Go the distance. 👍☀️🥾"
- Janet and Larry Sills

"Love and luck to you Brandon. What a wonderful tribute to your dad. Ronnie and Larry Goland"
- Ronnie Goland

"In loving memory of the kindest, true warrior"
- Cynthia and Marc Plawker

"Such an amazing way to honor your dad."
- Michelle Sumner

"Go get it, Brandon. What a great tribute!"
- Jacob Fenton

Ryco-Foundation-Logo

3rd Annual

KRV for ALS Truck & Car Show at Gillette Stadium!

Saturday, August 1, 2026
4-8pm

It’s that time of year again! We’re excited to return for the 3rd annual KRV for ALS Truck Show

The 2025 event was a huge success, with attendance nearly doubling from 2024. Once again, we’ll be heading back to Gillette Stadium for an afternoon showcase, wrapping up the day with an incredible light show from participating trucks as the event comes to a close.

In just two years, this event has raised nearly $75,000 to support ALS care programs. This year, our goal is to raise $50,000, and every sponsor plays a vital role in making that possible. The success of this event simply wouldn’t happen without your support. Below, you’ll fi nd details on the sponsorship and vendor opportunities available for this year’s show.

*All sponsorships are fully Tax Deductible! Receipt provided for your tax records.
501(c)(3) Organization - The RYCO Foundation: #99-2838136

David’s Old Silver Swim is an annual open ocean swim along the beautiful shoreline of Old Silver Beach, in North Falmouth, Cape Cod. Join us in the clear waters of Buzzards Bay for our 16th annual charity swim. Choose either a 2-loop, 1-mile swim or a 1-loop, 0.5-mile swim, both featuring chip timing technology for accurate race results. There is also a non-competitive and untimed 1-loop, 0.5-mile fun swim for anyone looking to test the waters in a relaxed setting, with the option to complete the full loop or simply swim out and back at their own pace.

This event honors the memory of David Garber, who passed away in October, 2023 after living with ALS for 14 years. His spirit, friendship, determination and love was an inspiration to countless people who got to know him, from near and far.

Compassionate Care ALS Founder and Executive Director, Ron Hoffman, shared a profound and enduring friendship with David. Throughout his ALS journey, David also cultivated an extraordinary and deeply meaningful relationship with the organization. CCALS is honored to continue David’s legacy through this remarkable event.

David Garber & Ron

Ron Hoffman and David Garber at the 2016 CCALS Gala

“David’s ability to live a full life despite ALS was absolutely extraordinary.”
– Mike Fishbein, longtime friend.

FalmouthRoadRaceLogo_2026_

2026 Falmouth Road Race with Compassionate Care ALS

August 16, 2026

CCALS team registration will open on March 3, 2026.

Putt for ALS Golf Classic

Sky Meadow Country Club
August 24th, 2026

A Charity Event Hosted by

Heaven-Sent-Logo-1

All proceeds benefit Compassionate Care ALS

Our goal is raise $50,000 for this year's tournament. The prizes and giveaways will be bigger and better! Come join us August 24th and do you part to fight ALS. For more information click here.