For the Reporter

Auburn’s Don Stevenson has walked more than 15,000 miles for multiple sclerosis, and hopes to add another 6,000 miles by the time he finishes the benefit walk in June.

The 78-year-old Pacin’ Parson has done much of his walk at Game Farm Park.

Proceeds from the walk benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

He is dedicating the walk to his sister, Stephanie Barry, who passed away Dec. 1 from the devastating disease. Stevenson’s older brother also died from complications of MS at age 31.

Like her brother the walker, Barry dedicated her life ministering to others, especially children.

Stevenson plans to drive to Ohio for his sister’s memorial on June 1. The day after the ceremony, he plans to continue the MS walk in her memory by walking from Cleveland to Cincinnati. That’s 320 miles, and he hopes to complete it in two weeks at 30 miles a day.

Steven then plans on returning to Auburn to finish the MS walk on June 24. He invites the public to Game Farm Park at 9 a.m. that day to help him celebrate the end of his year-long walk.

Stevenson has been averaging about 20-plus miles a day for the walk, but keeping that pace has proven to be difficult because of other commitments.

“At times I walk to different rehabilitation centers, rest homes, hospitals and private homes to encourage the sick and aging,” Stevenson said. “At times I walk to Puyallup, Sumner, Federal Way, Kent, etc. That takes a lot of time.”

Stevenson, a former Marine, pastor, teacher and truck driver, has walked more than 50,000 miles for various charities since 1998. Long-distance walking became his passion after his retirement in 1994.

In 2002, Stevenson walked 8,000 miles in Game Farm Park for MS. A year earlier, he walked 3,000 miles from Seattle to New York City for MS, and walked 4,000 miles from Tijuana, Mexico to Anchorage, Alaska for MS in 2000.

But Stevenson admitted his latest effort might be his last marathon walk for a worthy cause.

“I doubt that I’ll do any more walks after this one,” he said. “There are a couple books I wish to write before I walk into eternity. Time is short but my to-do list is long.”

To donate and to learn more, visit www.MSnorthwest.org or www.thepacingparson.com.