You’ve got to keep pushing on. Keep moving forward. Don't ever stop…

My father-in-law, Donald Zihlman, was an idol to me. Born and raised in Ohio, he pursued a career in Radio that brought him and my Mother-in-law, Linda, to various states around the country. Eventually, work landed them in Maine, where they decided to plant their roots and start a family. They had two beautiful daughters: my wife, Gina, and her sister, Dana.

First and foremost, Don was a family man. He was a dedicated father and a devoted husband. He was the epitome of a people person. Everyone who was fortunate to meet him was instantly better because of it. Don’s humor and warm nature brought out the best in those around him. He eventually turned this trait into a successful Marketing and Advertising career, bidding goodbye to years as a prominent Radio DJ and On-Air personality.

Don loved the outdoors. A perfect day for him consisted of Skiing in the morning with his best friends, and a round of golf in the afternoon. Maine was funny like that, and Don made sure to take full advantage of those rare opportunities.

My wife and I married in the spring of 2008. Everything was as perfect as could be for two young newlyweds. Unfortunately, things came to a sudden halt a few months later, when after a routine treadmill run, doctors discovered a tumor on Don’s leg. What was once thought of as a muscle injury turned out to be Sarcoma; a rare and serious cancer.

After a short but valiant battle, Don passed away from Soft-tissue Sarcoma on June 12th, 2009. He left the world sooner than any of us could have ever imagined. This year marks 10 years without a man whose advice, wit, wisdom, and humor graced our lives, enriching us in ways we will never forget.

In Don’s honor, and because of the impact he made on so many lives, I have decided to hike the entire 30.1 miles of the Art Loeb trail in one day in May 2023, marking what would have been his 75th birthday. My goal is not only to raise much-needed funds for Sarcoma research, but to tell Don’s story throughout my entire endeavor, and bring Sarcoma awareness to the forefront.

Life is full of hills, valleys, summits, and descents. One day it's bright and beautiful, and the next could be filled with tumultuous storms. In the end, though, there is nothing to be afraid of. You’ve got to keep pushing on. Keep moving forward. Don't ever stop. These are the words that Don instilled in me the last time he and I spoke…. And I intend to do just that.