Dr. Seuss’s very first book for children makes Mulberry Street the most interesting location in town. Who wouldn’t cheer when an elephant-pulled sleigh races by?
There was no horse and broken-down wagon, no zebra, or elephant-pulled sleigh in front of the dairy case at my local Safeway a few weeks ago. Just a tall, tanned, white-haired-but-youthful man smiling at me from beside an attractive woman. I had seen him before, but where? My gaze traveled to his brilliant-colored vest with big letters: Walking for Cancer. I couldn't help saying, "What a wonderful thing! Thank you. I am 83 years old. God has brought me through cancer, surgery, and treatment so successfully my medical personnel call me their miracle patient."
He handed me a flyer. The three of us hugged, agreed that God is good, and I came home rejoicing at what I felt was a more-than chance encounter. Even more so when I read the flyer. I had just met Auburn's own ultra-marathon walker: Donald Lewis Stevenson, The Pacin' Parson, subject of many articles in local papers. I immediately contacted him to get permission to feature him on my blog and asked for biographical material.
What a life he has led! A two-pound preemie. A near-drowning in a lake as a boy. A high school drop-out. A Marine who graduated at the head of his class. Finishing high school and training for the ministry at God's Bible School and Missionary Training School in Cincinnati. Years as a pastor. A volunteer fireman and EMT. Twenty-eight years with Darigold, Inc., then retirement in 1994 to devote time to writing.
"A Journey of a A Thousand Miles Begins with a Single Step"
1996 began a regime of walking for health and meditation. This soon evolved into walking for others. As of March 2019, The Pacin' Parson has walked around 60,000 miles for worthy causes. They include Alzheimer's, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Bifida, Special Olympics, Children's Organ Transplant, services for the blind, and Cancer Research.
In 2008, at age 72, Don finished a 13,000 mile walk from Seattle to New York City and New Haven, CT for Huntington's Disease society of America.
More Steps to Help Stomp Out Cancer
Like the U.S. Postal Service, weather—even the surprise snow
in Auburn a few weeks ago— doesn’t stop Donald Stevenson from walking to help
stomp out cancer. He continues to serve God through serving others. He
will complete a 400-mile hike for Seattle Children's Hospital on March 14th at Auburn WA. His motto is, "For the good of others."
God willing, this won't be his last walk. As long as his
health holds, The Pacin' Parson will be out there starting yet
another journey. Contributions to Seattle Children’s Hospital in his name can be made as follows:
Donate over the phone with a credit card by calling 206-987-4844 or 800-635-1432.
Donate by mail. Commemorative Giving, Seattle Children’s Hospital and Research Foundation, PO Box 5371, Seattle, WA 98145-5005.
- Please include your name and address and ask that donation be credited to The Pacin’ Parson.
6 comments:
I've read about the Pacin' Parson in local newspapers for years. How wonderful that you actually met him in person. His life story is amazing and inspirational. Thank you for sharing it.
An interesting man with a remarkable life and sense of dedication. It's great that you were able to meet him in person. Thank you.
Inspiring post!
It was a privilege to meet and visit with such a serving person.
Wow! I'm impressed. I've heard of people walking for cancer but I didn't realize they would walk so far...from one end of the country to the other. Double wow!
He is an amazing 83-year-old.
Post a Comment