Trailblazer
by Jeff Kagan
This
September, on his 45th birthday, Ross Hayduk plans to ascend Mount Katahdin,
the highest mountain in Maine, in the final steps of his six-month hike along
the Appalachian Trail (2,184 miles from Georgia to Maine). His goal is to become the first
HIV-positive athlete to finish the trail in less than six-months. For some,
this task would be too daunting, but not for Ross, as he’s faced even greater
challenges throughout his life. Ross contracted HIV in 2004 while addicted to
crystal meth. He was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He had hit
rock-bottom, but with the support of friends and family, he climbed his way
back up to being clean and sober, now looking forward, not backwards, taking
his life one day at a time. He says, “I believe we can overcome challenges to
our health like HIV, substance abuse, and bipolar depression. With the proper
diet and exercise routines, adherence to medication regimens, consistent
communication with healthcare providers, and the support of those around you,
you can live a full and healthy life." Ross continues on his mission,
tirelessly aiming towards his goal of raising $21,840 for local HIV/AIDS
service organizations. That's ten times the number of miles on the trail.
Professionally,
Ross does fundraising and development for a non-profit organization, but it
isn’t all about fundraising for him. Ross understands the importance of
breaking stereotypes and being a role model. “The opportunity to prove to
myself, and to others, that HIV-positive athletes can excel at sports as well
as HIV-negative athletes. Just
because we have a virus does not mean we are sidelined,” he says.
Athletically
speaking, Ross has dabbled in sport, but he sparkled in two: winning the silver
medal in the hammer throw at Gay Games VI (in Sydney in 2002), and winning the
gold medal in powerlifting in Gay Games VII (in Chicago 2006). He has also
taken a shine to rugby and cycling, but not until recently, long-distance
hiking. “After participating in a 200-mile cycling event in 2010 and a 218-mile
hiking event in 2011, I decided to take on the Appalachian Trail in 2012. I did
not know if I could do it, but once I set my mind to the previous challenges, I
saw how I could accomplish amazing things, but only because I had the
encouragement and support of my friends, family, and colleagues behind me.” he
says.
Ross
is selfless; a natural-born volunteer. In his circles, his reputation clearly
stands out due to his constant offers to step up and help with any worthy
cause. Last month, he took two days out of the hike to visit friends in New
York and volunteer at the Heritage of Pride March. After his visit, he headed
west once again, but he hit an unexpected snag when one of the straps on his
backpack snapped while he was hiking through the thick forests of northwestern
New Jersey. Ross posted his dilemma on Facebook and support poured in (both
moral and suggestive). One person offered to FedEx a new bag to him, but if he
was going to finish the trail in a timely manner, he knew he had to act
quickly. Thinking, "What would
MacGyver do?" Ross got to work on solving his problem with shoelaces
and some cloth. "Those years as a theatre major, working in the costume
shop weren't a waste of time! I had to make it WERQ!" he says with
a scruffy, ear-to-ear grin. He was able to continue for two more days of
hiking, enough time to catch a bus back to New York City for a replacement bag,
and then get right back to where he left the trail.
