| 4/11/2006 3:00:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| HEALTHY HIKE: Robin Grapa, right, and her mother Patty Laatsch are walking across America to raise awareness about aplastic anemia, a disease that almost killed Grapa. The women, from Wisconsin, walked through Jefferson County on Monday. (Staff photo by Donovan Estridge) |
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One step at a time
Women hope cross-country walk will raise awareness of disease
Donovan Estridge
Courier Staff Writer
When a Catholic priest administered Robin Grapa her last rites, her mother, Patty Laatsch, never imagined she would see her daughter walk again. She certainly didn’t believe her daughter could hike across the country.
But to her mother’s surprise, Grapa made a full recovery from aplastic anemia, a bone marrow disease. The two women are now on a mission to find a cure and raise money in hopes of beating the debilitating disease, even if it takes one step at a time.
Using the American Discovery Trail as their road map, the women are hiking across the country to spread awareness of aplastic anemia. Grapa was diagnosed with aplastic anemia while attending college. Her disease inhibits the body from producing healthy red blood cells. A cure for her ailment has not been discovered, and the only way to combat it is through intense treatment that could force the condition into remission.
While Grapa has recovered from the disease, she is fortunate. Many people who suffer from aplastic anemia never recover, and die an early death.
During her treatment, Grapa nearly suffered the same fate. Her life nearly came to an end on one fateful day when her father found Grapa having a seizure on his couch.
After being rushed to the hospital, her prognosis did not look good. Her condition became so severe that a Catholic priest administered the last rites.
Grapa was able to fend off death and fight the anemia into total remission.
“My disease is in remission,” Grapa said. “It can come back at any time.”
As a testament to her new-found health, Grapa wanted to fight for a cure for the disease and prove that she was once again healthy. Being a novice hiker, Grapa had an idea— hike across the country to raise awareness for the deadly disease.
After searching on the Internet, she learned of the American Discovery Trail, which connects 15 states as it spans the entire country. In Jefferson County the trail winds through Clifty Falls State Park.
Once her mother learned of her daughter’s desire to hike the trail, she didn’t hesitate to commit to the walk.
“I didn’t have to think twice,” Laatsch said. “This is a serious disease, and I wanted to help in any way.”
Leaving their families and everyday comforts behind in Wisconsin, the women set off to help find a cure. Hiking across creeks and rivers, hills and valleys, the two women are determined in their mission to raise awareness and funds during the hike.
They began the journey on Feb. 4 in Cape Henlopen, Del., and will end their trek at Point Reyes National Seashore in California in October.
“We dipped our toes in the Atlantic and will put our heels in the Pacific,” Grapa said.
After two months of hiking, the duo reached Jefferson County on their journey west.
“There is something special to say about Indiana,” Grapa said. “Not to say anything bad about Ohio, but when we crossed the state line, everyone has been real friendly.”
Along their journey west, the women subject to the elements of nature. While starting their journey in February, they crossed the Appalachian Mountains during winter and braved bone-chilling temperatures.
“Being from Wisconsin, we thought we knew winter,” Grapa said. “We were wrong. East Coast winters are colder and wetter than we thought.”
Braving the elements, the women camp, eat and share their stories of the disease along the trip. Stopping in towns such as Madison and Hanover, the women tell people of the disease. While in Madison, they ran into Jinx White. White noticed the women walking and inquired as to their story. Learning the walk was an effort to raise awareness for the disease, White informed the women that her husband also suffered from bone marrow disease.
They were able to give White information on the disease and help counsel her on options.
“That was really neat,” Grapa said. “People ask why we are doing this, but to see people like Jinx White, it makes it all worthwhile.”
Life along the trail can get rough at times. Whether it is dodging hail storms or brutal cold, the women keep walking west.
“Whenever it gets rough, I think about the disease and keep going,” Grapa said.
During their hike west, the women have received an outpouring of support. Every day, they update their online journal telling readers of their journey.
“We have tremendous support,” Grapa said.
Their path will take the women through southern Indiana. They will cross Illinois and Missouri and trek across the Great Plains. Eventually they will cross the Continental Divide in Colorado, then cross through a vast desert.
“We are kind of worried about the desert,” Grapa said. “There are 70-mile stretches without water.”
The women are hoping to get a support vehicle to drop water in advance of the women.
“The desert will be interesting,” Grapa continued.
As the women move farther west, their support grows. Only two month into the hike, they have raised nearly $83,000. They accept pledges to support more research in bone marrow disease.
“Our goal is to raise $1 million,” Grapa said.
They keep track of support from the online journal. Readers can access their journal on their Web site, www.ourhike.com. On the site, readers can learn more about the disease and track their movements west.
“My father keeps up with us online,” Grapa said.
As they pick up their bags and continue west, the two women walk with smiles on their faces.
“No matter how tired we get, this is a great bonding experience,” Grapa said. “I am going to be sad when it is over.”
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Reader Comments
Posted: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Article comment by:
Siri Harding
Robin and Patty stayed at my apartment in Annapolis. They're wonderful people who deserve all the support we can give them. Thank you for sharing their story!
Posted: Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Article comment by:
Margaret Brandenburg
Hi Robin and Patty, we are getting the last details for the fundraiser in Valmeyer, Il, 6 May ready. We can't wait until you guys get closer. See you on the trail soon, love Aunty m, Smile!!!!
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