Summit Up USA

Michigan native is hiking to the Highest Points of all 50 states to raise awareness for Alzheimers

By: Bryan Hughes
Sentinel Writer
In our present time, it has become increasingly difficult to come across an honest hearted individual who truly wants to help people. Mark Zimmer, 24, from Grand Rapids, Michigan has set out to climb the high point of all 50 states – a feat that has been accomplished by just over 100 people. The thing that sets Mark apart however, is that he isn’t doing this for his own self satisfaction, rather he is climbing to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s research.
On Wednesday October 14th, 2009 Mark made his way to the summit of Brasstown Bald, Georgia. I met Mark in the Brasstown Bald parking lot and the conditions were sub-par to say the least.  He was gracious enough to lend me a poncho and we started our trek up the hill.  Despite being sleep deprived, the temperature being about 45 degrees, and the rain blowing at us in 50 MPH wind gusts, Mark still had a smile on his face.  He tore through the dense fog with purpose and I could tell he thoroughly enjoyed what he was doing.
Unfortunately because of the conditions, Mark wasn’t able to see the amazing views from the top of Brasstown Bald, but I think it made his journey that much more memorable. I later read on Mark’s website that Brasstown Bald has been his favorite high point to date. He said, “So far, Georgia has been my favorite.  Ironically, there was no view at all the day l climbed.  What made it fun, in a weird sort of way, is that it was rainy with wind gusts up to 50 mph.  The weather was so bad, that is made it fun.  Hope that makes sense to someone.”
What struck me the most about Mark is that he decided to do this all on his own initiative – he isn’t a poster child for a company, he isn’t being given a full ride and staying in luxurious accommodations.  Armed only with his Jeep, some warm clothes, a tent, and a noble cause, Mark has caught the attention of 14 different sponsors and  has crossed 13 high points off of his list, including Clingmans Dome in Tennessee, and Mt. Mitchell in North Carolina.   As he gains momentum he hopes to get even more sponsors and to raise at least $50,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
When asked why he chose the Alzheimer’s Association, he said, “My great-grandmother died from the disease, and my grandfather is in its final stages. I personally know how this terrible disease affects every member of a family going through the long and painful journey that Alzheimer’s takes you.”
Here are some facts about Alzheimer’s that you may or may not know:
• As many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s, including 200,000 in Georgia, and 350,000 in North Carolina
• Alzheimer’s and dementia triple healthcare costs for Americans age 65 and older.
• Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s.
• Alzheimer’s is the seventh-leading cause of death.
• The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $148 billion each year.
If you are interested in Mark’s Cause I encourage you to go to his website at www.summitupusa.com.  You can also check out Mark’s pictures and videos from Brasstown Bald and the other high points he has reached.  Mark’s next high point was Britton Hill, located in the Florida pan handle which is the lowest high point in the USA.