Who walks over 100 miles to say thank you?
By The Daily News Staff I on September 26, 2023
John Dietrick, former longtime resident of the Greenville, Michigan area, is a 76-year-old who began running while in his 40s. He will be attempting a 104-mile trek on the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula in October.
Six years ago, after John experienced a traumatic life-changing event, his sister Becky Fish, traveled from her home in Indiana to help. Becky walked alongside John as he made the long and difficult climb out of the valley he found himself in. John survived and began hiking again, but he never forgot the love and sacrifice that his sister gave so generously.
Several years down the road, John suffered significant injuries due to a couple of falls while sailing. During treatment for a fractured back, doctors discovered he had heart problems. Quite unexpectedly, John ended up having open- heart surgery. Once John recovered, he eventually went back to his normal walking routine. A fellow hiker once said, “John, it looks like you’ve walked yourself healthy.”
Still, he did not forget how his sister cared for him. When John was dealing with heart problems, Becky was busy back in Madison County, Indiana, establishing a nonprofit organization called Papa’s House. It is a home for women who have experienced various life-changing situations and need help to recover, regroup and heal. Helping is what Becky does so well.
Now, John says it’s payback time. He contacted Becky to let her know he wanted to use his hiking skills to raise awareness and financial support for Papa’s House. He realized that this 501c(3) entity depends entirely on contributions from individuals, businesses, churches and foundations.
On Oct 1, John’s Journey for Papa’s House will begin east of Pictured Rocks and Grand Marais as he covers the first few miles to position himself at the point on the North Country Trail where he will start his 100-mile hike of gratitude. His goal is to raise $10,000. For information, or if motivated to give support to Papa’s House, go to their web site at www.papashouseus.com. 100% of donations will go to benefit Papa’s House.