Ross Hayduk and his trusty dog Oscar are hiking the entire Appalachian Trail beginning on March 11th. Living with both HIV and bipolar disorder, this San Francisco native is planning to hike the entire 2,184 miles in less than six months.

His feat will make him the first openly HIV positive "thru hiker" (those who complete the entire trek in fewer than six months) and he's scheduled to complete it on September 6, his 45th birthday.

The reason for this challenge? It is certainly for the personal satisfaction of accomplishing such an impressive feat but it's also to raise money for four non-profit organizations:

·        National AIDS Memorial Grove

·        PAWS: Pets Are Wonderful Support

·        San Francisco AIDS Foundation

·        Appalachian Trail Conservancy

To follow Ross' on-going progress and to donate to any of the four non-profits listed above, please click here.