This fundraiser is to raise money for a "Memory bench" placed at the ATC Damascus, Va Trail Center in memory of Weezy . Any funds raised above the cost of the bench will be donated to the Maine Trail Center and the AT Conservancy.

Appalachian Trail Hiker Wayne “Weezy” Woodruff, also known as “Vortex” passed away unexpectedly at his off grid cabin in Abbot, Maine from a heart attack on April 8, 2022 at the age of 41. Weezy had had many physical challenges in his life, Crohn’s disease diagnosed at age 18 necessitated having his large intestine removed and a permanent ostomy at age 21. He was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 26 and developed a narcotics addiction from pain meds during chemotherapy treatment. In early 2012, while in Rehab, he was inspired to hike the AT. He got out of rehab, put all of his supplies together, and on May 25, 2012 started the AT near Harrisburg PA. He made it to Monson, ME on September 7, 2012. He had plans to return to Pennsylvania and hike South to Georgia, but those plans were put on hold, and he spent the next several years bouncing between Monson and Hamburg NY, although his goal was to live in Monson, near the trail. He managed to get a few months hiking in Virginia, and had plans to hike the 100 mile wilderness, but medical problems and surgeries always got in the way. He had made Abbot, ME his home in 2016, and had truly turned his life around. He had a corrective surgery for his ostomy that finally solved his ongoing problems in November 2021 and was looking forward to hiking again. Unfortunately, he passed from a heart attack due to myocardial fibrosis, caused by his chemo treatments. Wayne was a character, and the people that knew him, or met him on trail would describe him as a good hearted guy with a raucous (sometimes raunchy) sense of humor, but a gentle spirit. He was fun to be around and had a quick wit and an infectious smile. He will live on in the hearts of all that knew him. When Weezy passed, A lot of hikers reached out to me with stories of Wayne on trail. Two hikers, Bud Pilcher “Old Dirty Bastard” and Dan Lunz “Rip-nip” wanted to create a memorial to Wayne on trail. We have decided on a memorial bench at the ATC in Damascus Virginia, to be ready for Trail Days on May 19, 2023. The ATC asks for a minimum $1500 donation for the bench with a plaque and there will also be a plaque on the inside supporter wall. Any money raised beyond the $1500 will go to the Maine Trail Center & the Appalachian trail Conservancy.

After we celebrate Weezy's memorial bench, Old Dirty Bastard, Rip-nip and myself (Momma Weezy) will be hiking the 50 mile section where the 3 of them had originally met. Anytime is welcome to join us. Thank you for any donation you can manage.