Don Stevenson has covered many miles for many charities in his 16 years on the trail. But perhaps none has been more emotional than the one he officially completes Tuesday.
Auburn’s ultra-marathon man takes the final steps around Game Farm Park to cap a 20,000-mile, year-long walk to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The public is invited to the ceremonial final mile beginning at 9 a.m.
Stevenson, 78, dedicated the walk to his sister, Stephanie Barry, 76, who passed away Dec. 1 from the devastating disease. Stevenson’s older brother, Eldon, also died from complications of MS at age 31.
Like her brother the walker, Barry dedicated her life ministering to others, especially children.
“It was the roughest walk, considering I had so many responsibilities to my family and friends,” said Stevenson, also known as the “Pacin’ Parson.”
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.
He went through four pairs of shoes in his latest walk, most of which was logged at the park and in frequent visits to nearby communities. The walk also took him to Ohio, where he attended his sister’s memorial on June 1.
“Even though I haven’t raised millions of dollars, I have raised awareness and met a lot of wonderful people,” Stevenson said. “But (my sister) was the thing that kept me going, knowing I did it for her.”
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.”
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.
To donate and to learn more, visit www.MSnorthwest.org or www.thepacingparson.com.
