‘Help Mike Hike' the Grand Canyon

Monroe - Monroe resident Mike Phipps, the Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 440, is in training to hike the Grand Canyon May 19 and 20 as part of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Hike for Discovery.” “I’ve done some volunteer work for the March of Dimes in the past,” Phipps said, “but this is the most ambitious project I’ve ever worked on. My grandmother died of lymphoma when I was young, and more than 700,000 Americans are in their own battle with these blood cancers. This is my way of demonstrating to my children and to my scouts that you can help to make a difference by getting involved.” Phipps’ training includes a daily workout of cardiovascular exercises and learning about hiking essentials, equipment, safety, first aid, proper nutrition and hydration. “It’s a little more involved than what we’ve taught the Boy Scouts,” he noted, “but an excellent example of how the skills they’re learning now can be put to good use later on in life.” Phipps’ wife, Nina, is accompanying him on local hikes to prepare him for this adventure. “I’m so very touched by the generous support of our friends, family and neighbors.” The couple’s three children, Michael Jr., Jillian-Nicole and Ryan, are doing their part to help raise the $4,000 needed to participate, by spreading the word around school to friends and teachers, and perhaps planning a car wash and bake sale. Seventy-five percent of the $4,000 will be used to directly aid in blood cancer research, while the remaining 25 percent is needed to fund the trip. Phipps said he hopes to raise money far and above this goal, allowing more funds to be funneled directly into research. “This is a great way to show all of my Boy Scouts that community service carries over into adulthood, even if you don’t need that service time to fulfill an advancement requirement,” But more importantly is how the skills learned in scouting can be put to use in ways never imagined.” Mike has coined the phrase “Help Mike Hike” and has begun a Web site to update everyone on his training and fund-raising efforts. To keep up with his progress or to find out how to make a donation, log on to www.hikefordiscovery.org (click on “Find a Participant,” and type in “Michael Phipps”), or contact Mike at phippsmcp@aol.com.