What did one man do when faced with the unspeakable, untimely loss of his younger brother? He set out on a 2,186-mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Now he shares his journey of healing on the higher road in Don's Brother: A Hike of Hope on the Appalachian Trail. A tribute to faith, family, and personal fortitude, this moving account will captivate outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who is navigating the tough emotional terrain of grief.
When the author's younger brother, Don, was diagnosed with ALS, Stephens promised to complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. However, the author may not have mentioned his method of doing so. Rather than carrying a full pack every day, he only occasionally slept in the woods, instead often opting for shuttles to nearby "trail towns" and beds. Along the way, he also committed to sharing Don's story, using the trail name "Don's Brother" and raising awareness for ALS.
While reflecting on his brother's deep faith, devotion to family, and resolve in the face of his horrendous disease, the author's personal accomplishment and profound healing will move anyone to hit the road and take heart in the boundless capacity of brotherly love.
About the Author: Mike Stephens is a retired English teacher who served as English Department Chair at Shaw High School in Columbus, Georgia. He also coached the boys and girls cross-country teams, leading them to a combined eighteen region championships. After retiring in Georgia, Stephens taught American and British literature for six years at Smiths Station High School in Lee County, Alabama. An avid runner, he has competed at various distances for three decades and is an eight-time finisher of the Boston Marathon. In 2001, the author began section hiking the Appalachian Trail. Then in 2013 he began and completed a thru-hike in memory of his brother, Don, which he chronicles in Don's Brother: A Hike of Hope on the Appalachian Trail. He and his wife, Linda, who is also a retired teacher, have two adult children.
