Help me hike the AT

I have had the dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail on an extended section ever since moving to Asheville in 2012.  I would love to be able to afford being off work for 2-3 months so I can hike the Southern Appalachian portion of the trail in the Spring of 2019.  I will be 59 years old.  I have worked hard to get myself in shape and to gain experience in backpacking.  I see this time and this journey as a life-changing event, in which I will learn who I really am and what I am made of.  
I will use these funds to afford my household expenses while I am on the trail.  
I am extremely grateful for any help that comes my way.  I am also grateful to the company I work for.  Their cooperation has been instrumental in making this dream come true.