MASSENA -- Shawn Hatch has spent most of the last three days on rollerblades – and he will be on them for at least 70 more. He left his home town of Massena on wheels and set off for Hollywood. He’s trying to keep a pace of fifty miles per day. Hatch is riding to raise money for injured veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.
By Memorial Day he had already brought in almost a thousand dollars.
"I have some friends that are in Iraq and they really appreciate that and for today it keeps me motivated,” said Hatch as he took a break on Monday afternoon.
Hatch has been training since last fall - but as he crossed Oswego County, the combination of hills and heat still presented a tough challenge for the 21 year old.
"It is a long haul,” said Hatch. “I shouldn't be complaining about the hills today because I go through the Rockies eventually and that's going to be a crazy experience."
He's not alone on the journey. Hatch’s dad is traveling alongside him in a Winnebago and helping to plan the route. On Tuesday Shawn’s dad had plenty of ice water and snacks available for breaks. Floyd hatch says his son has the dedication to make it all the way to Hollywood - it's the Winnebago he's worried about.
“I hope this thing makes it because if it doesn't, he's going on without me,” said Floyd Hatch.
Shawn Hatch is hoping to get at least $20,000 in donations for the Wounded Warrior Project and he's also hoping to be back in time for SUNY Potsdam’s fall semester.
For more on Shawn’s fundraising goal – www.wwpproudsupporter.kintera.org/shawnhatch
