Lung Health News, Spring / Summer 2003
Last August Jose Torres did what most people only dream of doing, he says. He set out on an adventure of a lifetime.
The retired firefighter packed up two mules and started a two-year walk to see America and raise money for the American Lung Association’s asthma programs. He has made it as far as Kingman, Arizona, where his mules are resting.
So far, the trip has been filled with new friendships and plenty of support along the way.
"There are some really nice people in this country," Torres says.
He has received a lot of help in the first five months of his trip, from both friends and strangers. Everything from free camping and food, to a 50-pound bag of carrots for the mules, has been offered to support the effort.
Torres on Second Fundraising Adventure
Torres raised more than $5,000 for the American Lung Association of the Inland Counties when he kayaked down the Mississippi River a few years ago. On that trip, he was treated like a celebrity in a rural town outside of New Orleans, where he was honored at the local Jambalaya Festival. The attention paid off when people stepped forward with donations for the American Lung Association. Later, someone recognized Torres from the festival and helped him store his boat and find free lodging.
Newspapers along the way published stories about his fundraising adventure and he was often greeted by townspeople awaiting his arrival.
"Talking to people you get to see the real America," Torres says. "What they believe in and how they feel about the economy and the government."
Talking to people also gives Torres the chance to promote his effort to fund asthma programs for kids. He has occupational asthma from 30 years as a firefighter and he wants to help children with asthma.
"The American Lung Association has a great asthma camp and educational programs for kids," Torres says.
Headed for the Atlantic Ocean
The path from here is not clear to Torres. He is headed for the Atlantic Ocean, and could take several routes. He will stick to rural areas, mapping out routes that will accommodate the mules.
"Part of the adventure is not knowing," he says.
When he’s on the move, Torres walks an average of 18 miles a day. He started his trek at Doheni Beach and headed east. He walked through Perris, along the San Jacinto riverbed, past his hometown of Garner Valley, out into the desert near Needles and on to Arizona.
"I think I might head toward Flagstaff," he says.
You can track Torres’ travels by logging on to his Web site at www.trekacrossamerica.org.
Walk for Asthma
You can walk for asthma and raise money for important programs by joining an Asthma Walk near you. Blow the Whistle on Asthma walks are held across California in May and October. To find out more, contact your local American Lung Association at 1.800.LUNG.USA or www.californialung.org.
