My name is Jay Norman. I am 78 years of age, and I am a prostate cancer survivor.

Over a year ago my longtime friend Jim Dollar asked if I would hike the Appalachian Trail with him.  I said, "Sure" not believing he was serious.  Could two 78 year old veterans and prostate cancer survivors possibly hike 2189 miles?  Sure we could, if we had a worthy cause to keep us motivated.

Jim & I plan to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail starting in mid-March. Not many our age have completed this trail. We are doing this to raise money for the Town North Optimist Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit organization), and 100% of the net contributions collected through this GoFundMe campaign will be used to support youth in our community.

The Town North Optimist of Dallas is a unique group of men and women in Dallas who, for over 62 years, have chosen to dedicate a portion of their time to serving youth in our community. We are known as the Town North Optimist Club of Dallas and are affiliated with Optimist International .

Today's youth face frightening challenges (drugs, alcohol, gangs, etc.), and the Optimists provide opportunities that reinforce positive choices and attitudes. By our involvement with youth, providing leadership and a good example, we work to improve kids' lives.

The purposes of Optimists are to:
 
*Aid and encourage the development in youth, in the belief that the giving of one's self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life, and the world.
*Develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed.
*Inspire respect for the law.
*Promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people.
*Promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs.