Nashua, New Hampshire — Blind hiker Randy “Zip” Pierce of Nashua, NH doesn’t believe in resting on his laurels. Pierce and his guide dog The Mighty Quinn, will ascend the 6288’ summit of Mt. Washington as a guide dog / blind handler team on July 4th, 2010. Pierce was named as a Teva Life Agent for his plan to hike Mt. Washington as the inaugural hike of his 2020 Vision Quest project. “Randy embodies our vision of the Life Agent program,” states Teva Global Branded Content Manager, Liz Ferrin. “In spite of significant physical challenges he chooses to live a life of adventure, and he serves as an inspiration to anyone who has faced adversity on the path to fulfilling dreams.”
In 1989, Randy abruptly began losing his sight due to an unknown neurological disorder. The same disorder also confined him to a wheelchair from 2004 to 2006. Through all of his physical challenges, Randy has not allowed adversity to stop him. Since going blind, Randy achieved the rank of second degree black belt. He also has local fame as the New England Patriots Fan of the Year 2001. This award led to an HBO Emmy nominated documentary about Randy in 2008.
In preparation for the Mt. Washington ascent, Pierce joined the Outdoor Education department of the University of New Hampshire for a six day Pemigewassett Wilderness backpacking trip. Traveling over some of the most rugged terrain of the White Mountain National Forest, Randy and Quinn’s perseverance inspired their nine companions through some tough days. Randy will be accompanied by Quinn and seven fellow hikers on the two day ascent of Mt. Washington.
For additional information on the 2020 Vision Quest Mt. Washington Launch Event, contact Randy Pierce or visit www.2020visionquest.org
About 2020 Vision Quest: 2020 Vision Quest inspires people to reach beyond adversity and achieve their highest goals -- personal, professional, and philanthropic. We believe in leading by example, in climbing the highest peaks, and in sharing our successes and challenges with each other. Funds raised through these endeavors will be given to two remarkable organizations which benefit the visually impaired community: Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.
In 1989, Randy abruptly began losing his sight due to an unknown neurological disorder. The same disorder also confined him to a wheelchair from 2004 to 2006. Through all of his physical challenges, Randy has not allowed adversity to stop him. Since going blind, Randy achieved the rank of second degree black belt. He also has local fame as the New England Patriots Fan of the Year 2001. This award led to an HBO Emmy nominated documentary about Randy in 2008.
In preparation for the Mt. Washington ascent, Pierce joined the Outdoor Education department of the University of New Hampshire for a six day Pemigewassett Wilderness backpacking trip. Traveling over some of the most rugged terrain of the White Mountain National Forest, Randy and Quinn’s perseverance inspired their nine companions through some tough days. Randy will be accompanied by Quinn and seven fellow hikers on the two day ascent of Mt. Washington.
For additional information on the 2020 Vision Quest Mt. Washington Launch Event, contact Randy Pierce or visit www.2020visionquest.org
About 2020 Vision Quest: 2020 Vision Quest inspires people to reach beyond adversity and achieve their highest goals -- personal, professional, and philanthropic. We believe in leading by example, in climbing the highest peaks, and in sharing our successes and challenges with each other. Funds raised through these endeavors will be given to two remarkable organizations which benefit the visually impaired community: Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.