A modern day Terry Fox
January 22, 2026 6:17 PM
In today’s society, where one is used to hearing many inspirational stories of heroism, courage, and bravery in the face of cancer, it is hard to find a story that really stands out. The story of 19 year old student/photographer Arthur Hitchcock however, is one that truly does.
An only child from Des Moines, Iowa, and currently residing in Long Beach, California, is now orphaned. His father passed away when he was just two years old from a heart condition, and now just a month ago, his mother Janet lost her battle with stage four breast cancer.
Despite these terrible and tragic events, Hitchcock’s adventuresome spirit has not died, and he is using these experiences to make a change. In a challenge reminiscent of the great Canadian legend Terry Fox, Hitchcock plans to walk from California to Maine, virtually alone, to raise money for breast cancer research. In an interview with The Xaverian Weekly, he talks about his experiences and his plan for this inspirational walk.
Xaverian Weekly: Tell us a little bit about your mother, and the kind of person she was?
Arthur Hitchcock: My mother's name is Janet M. Hitchcock. She was just as adventurous as I, very free spirited. Born with no optic nerves and several cataracts in each eye (legally blind her entire life). She was very intelligent and multi-faceted. She was caring and empathetic, and she spent time as a missionary in Antigua and Germany the summer of ‘89. She was very independent, valued honesty and down to earth qualities. Loved Animals and most people...
XW: How has she influenced you to be the person you are today?
AH: She made me the person I am today by showing me the right way to live, and being such an inspirational person herself. There was nothing she could not do, and that is how I want to be.
XW:How has she inspired you to take on this challenge?
AH:Well, she knew about these plans for years, but now that everything has happened, it just made sense to start now and in her honour. I saw firsthand what breast cancer can do, and I want to try and prevent that for others.
XW: How have you found the strength to press on and be so brave, when many others who have lost their parents, simply fall into a depression? Do you feel depressed often, or are you more focused on the positives and goals you have set for yourself?
AH: I’m not depressed, but I do get sad more often. Its rather cyclical. I knew she wouldn’t want me to be too sad for too long, so after realizing that, I turned all the normal depressing feelings into drive and motivation. I’m not sure why I can do this, but I have always had it difficult and I am no stranger to loss, so it just seemed logical.
XW: What do your friends and other family members think of what you’re doing?
AH:All of my friends and family have been completely supportive and with their help I think the word will spread and something big can happen. "Be the change you wish to see in the world." That’s all I’m doing, and everyone should try and do the same. If I can do it, anyone can. I am no one special.
XW: Due to the physical nature of the challenge you are about to embark on, how will you prepare yourself physically for it?
AH: I have been training for months, but more recently I have been working on endurance and pacing. I walk about 15-20 miles a day. I like to run as well, especially hills and off road. I also have been sparring a lot lately with other martial artist friends of mine (he has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and studied Maui Thai for several years, as well as about 8-9 other styles). I have been really conscious of what I am eating, and how hydrated I am, because I know all this will only benefit me in the long run.
XW: What are you looking forward to most about the journey? Will you be doing some sightseeing?
AH: I’m looking forward to taking pictures for the entire trip, and getting to meet as many people as I can. I want to hear their stories, struggles, and hopes. I think this will give me a better understanding of the human condition, and the U.S. This entire trip will be sightseeing, I’ll be going through about 27 states, and at least one major city in each. There will be a lot to see.
XW: What are some of the events and activities you plan to do/attend along your journey? Do you plan on doing any public speaking?
AH: I plan on speaking whenever possible. I also would like to throw events in every state. I help two of my friends (Clayton Peters and Alex Black) document and run a street poetry in Long Beach called Writer's Block. It is a open mic event with no rules, a lot of talent, and drive. I hope to really promote it, and take the show on the road. As well as various fundraisers and whatever else we can drum up.
XW: Where do you plan on staying as you cross the country?
AH: I plan on staying with friends, people who offer, and in a support truck every 100 miles. When it is not possible to stay in those places, I will have a one man tent that I shall try and pitch in a safe enough area.
XW:Do you have a goal of how many days it will take you?
AH: It should take a little less than a year.
XW: Will anyone be joining you along the way?
AH: Friends and various other people have expressed to me they want to join me for various sections, but as for the entire trip, it shall be mostly solo. I want the alone time to reflect. Although my roommate and best friend Anthony Felix will be meeting me every 100 miles in my truck. I believe my friend Addison Jolley will also be with him.
XW: When will you be starting the walk? Does the start date depend on how much money you raise and how fast it is raised? Is there a required amount of money raised you need before starting?
AH: I’m starting March 21, 2011. It is the day after Anthony's birthday. Im trying my best to raise funds for the actual trip as well as for breast cancer. No matter what, I will start in March. No specific goals, but in reality I would like to raise as much as possible. I think everyone should shoot for a million!
XW: How will you be documenting your journey?
AH: I will be documenting my journey via HD video, pictures, poems, and short stories. These will all be uploaded to my blog and eventually my full domain. (arthurhitchcock.tumblr.comhttp://arthurhitchcock.tumblr.com)
XW: How can our readers help you out in regards to fund raising and support?
AH: Donations are always appreciated, both for the actual trip and for the cause. They can also email me or write on the Facebook event if they can help with lodging, or in other ways. I would like for anyone and everyone to know about this, because I know the more people that know, the easier it will be to raise money and awareness.
XW: How do you want to be viewed and what is the most important thing people should know about you as a person?
AH: I want to be viewed as an individual, as a person who is tired of being stagnant and wants to make a difference. I want people to know that I care, and that they should too. Breast cancer is not just a statistic, it is a disease that is hurting and taking away our loved ones. We need to fund research and find a cure.