Heroic Hiker Raises $10,000 For Parkinson's Research

Brian Butler, a retired UH nurse, hiked 200 tough miles of the Appalachian Trail before suspending the journey due to challenges presented by his Parkinson's disease. 

The retired nurse who embarked on a hike of the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and research funds for Parkinson’s disease completed 200 challenging miles and reached altitudes of more than 6,000 feet before suspending his trek due to complications from the disease. 

Brian Butler, 66, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2012, retired in March from his job as a registered nurse at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. Just days later, he and his daughter, Erin, stepped onto the 2,183-mile Appalachian Trail. He asked donors to support his journey by pledging one penny per mile, or $21.83. 

His story grabbed headlines and drew many supporters. While Butler’s hike did not end as he had hoped, his extraordinary efforts were not wasted. To date, nearly $10,000 has been raised. Donations will support the research of Butler’s physician, Benjamin Walter, MD, Director of University Hospitals Neurological Institute’s Movement Disorders Center.

“I am choosing to look upon this as a success,” writes Butler, a U.S. Army veteran, in his trail journal. “I did make it 200 miles and to altitudes of 6000+ feet …  I have brought Parkinson’s disease to the forefront, collecting dollars for research. I will continue to do anything I can to bring light and focus to this disease." 

To read more of Butler’s own words about his decision to end his hike, visit his journal: http://www.trailjournals.com/cw5 

CJ Sheppard

Senior Communications Strategist, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

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Volume 7, Issue 5, Posted 8:29 AM, 05.01.2015