Decorah couple prepares to hike the Pacific Crest Trail

Decorah transplants Teage and Austin Luther are preparing to embark on a monumental hike in California in September. They will be participating in The Ulitmate Hike -- a one-day, 26 mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail -- in order to raise funds for finding a cure for childhood cancer.

The Luthers moved to Decorah 3 years ago after graduating from Loras College in Dubuque. "We plan to stay here for a very long time," says Teage. "We love this tight-knit community and its commitment to sustainable living." Luther currently works at CentralSquare Technologies, and Teage works as a Hall Director at Luther College, while also working towards her Master's degree  in social work.

The couple first heard about The Ultimate Hike through their friend, Decorah local Brecka Putnam. Putnam works for CureSearchfor Children's Cancer --  the non-profit foundation sponsoring The Ultimate Hike. They chose to hike for CureSearch because of the organization's commitment to ensure that children with cancer today receive the best care possible, and children with cancer tomorrow, will face a much more curable disease.

Teage says, "Both my husband and I have seen the devastating effects cancer can have on families. My mother passed away in 2000 after a long fight with pancreatic cancer, and we both have had extended family members affected.  Austin and I were both involved in Dance Marathon while at  Loras College, which raises money for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital. Since graduating, we have been looking for a way to continue to make a difference. We loved that CureSearch brought our love for the outdoors together with making a difference."

The Luthers will be hiking 26 miles of the Pacific Crest, near Big Bear Lake, California, in one day. "We are currently about 2/5 of our way to our $5,000 team goal," says Teage. "Decorah shares our values of giving back, especially while enjoying the outdoors. To show our commitment toward this cause, Luther and I  will do an hour of community service in Decorah for every $100 donated. We are incredibly thankful for local business sponsors and friends and family who have supported us," says Teage.

To learn more about the Luther's Ultimate Hike fundraiser, visit http://www.curesearchevents.org/site/TR/CureSearchUltimateHike/UltimateHike?pg=team&fr_id=1821&team_id=3701