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:
$6,338.35Contributors
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