In Memory of Michael
Donation protected
Had he lived, our son Michael Alexander Cooker would have turned 31 years old on September 29th. Instead we lost Michael in April to a cruel act of violence by an unknown assailant.
Michael loved hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail. It was his unrealized dream to someday thru-hike the entire trail. His affection for the AT was an expression of his spirit of adventure, appreciation of beauty, and love of nature. Like so many others, Michael found serenity and joy hiking the AT. He loved the challenge, freedom, and feeling of connection to the natural world all around him.
It is for this reason that we initiated a fund in Michael's name to be donated to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory. The Conservatory has been caring for the Trail for 93 years. They believe that the AT is a place of life-changing discovery and that everyone should have the opportunity for that experience. Their mission is "to preserve and manage the AT - ensuring that its vast beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come."
The Appalachian Trail Conservatory's Vision is "to connect the human spirit with nature- preserving the delicate majesty of the Trail as a haven for all to enjoy, to nurture and protect this sacred space through education and inspiration, to create an ever-expanding community of doers and dreamers, and to work to ensure that tomorrow's generations will experience the same mesmerizing beauty we behold today."
We have raised $14,660 of our goal for a donation of $20,000 to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory in Michael's name. ($4,660 through Go Fund Me and another $10,000 through direct donations.) We ask that you help us reach our goal as you see fit.
We deeply appreciate the kindness and support you have all so lovingly shared with us in our grief. Our goal to give something back to the world is in thanks for the thirty years we were privileged to call Michael our own. In this way, we answer violence and destruction with cooperation and grace.
The Family of Michael Alexander Cooker
Michael loved hiking and camping on the Appalachian Trail. It was his unrealized dream to someday thru-hike the entire trail. His affection for the AT was an expression of his spirit of adventure, appreciation of beauty, and love of nature. Like so many others, Michael found serenity and joy hiking the AT. He loved the challenge, freedom, and feeling of connection to the natural world all around him.
It is for this reason that we initiated a fund in Michael's name to be donated to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory. The Conservatory has been caring for the Trail for 93 years. They believe that the AT is a place of life-changing discovery and that everyone should have the opportunity for that experience. Their mission is "to preserve and manage the AT - ensuring that its vast beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come."
The Appalachian Trail Conservatory's Vision is "to connect the human spirit with nature- preserving the delicate majesty of the Trail as a haven for all to enjoy, to nurture and protect this sacred space through education and inspiration, to create an ever-expanding community of doers and dreamers, and to work to ensure that tomorrow's generations will experience the same mesmerizing beauty we behold today."
We have raised $14,660 of our goal for a donation of $20,000 to the Appalachian Trail Conservatory in Michael's name. ($4,660 through Go Fund Me and another $10,000 through direct donations.) We ask that you help us reach our goal as you see fit.
We deeply appreciate the kindness and support you have all so lovingly shared with us in our grief. Our goal to give something back to the world is in thanks for the thirty years we were privileged to call Michael our own. In this way, we answer violence and destruction with cooperation and grace.
The Family of Michael Alexander Cooker
Organizer
Ann Cooper
Organizer
Leesburg, VA
