Noah marches through Gordon County to raise awareness, funds for diabetes research
with Vanderbilt. We are looking for programs that align with how we feel things should go in research. We are not interested in managing diabetes; we want a cure.”
The Barnes began their journey in Key West, Fla. in January. Noah plans to use the rest of the year for his march to Blaine, Washington, where he will visit with family upon arrival. “I’m marching the whole way; I’m not skipping one inch,” said Noah.
Noah is homeschooled while on the road; his father marches with him while his mother, Joanne, stays within a few miles of them in a vehicle.
While some might think that marching for diabetes awareness across country is a bit crazy, the family is dedicated to letting Noah follow his dream, even putting their Florida home up for sale. “The house is listed right now,” said Robert. “We’ve already moved out.”
Initially planning the march months out, Robert Barnes received advice from many advising against a strict road regiment. “We started planning it, then we talked to other people about planning it and they said ‘ Everything you’re going to plan you’re going to waste your time with.’ We spent 90 days planning it and the first week, everything we had planned fell apart.”
While in Gordon County, Noah hit the 1,000 mile mark of his trip. “We are doing 4,000 miles total and will log 1000 miles about a mile past where Highway 41 and Highway 53 cross,” said Robert while marching north on Highway 41 just south of Tom B. David Airport.
While in Gordon County, Noah and his family enjoyed barbecue from Thatcher’s Restaurant and toured the Resaca Battlefield. His mom said that she likes to incorporate visits to local points of interest as a learning experience for Noah.
For more on Noah including videos, blog and information on donating, visit Noah’s website noahsmarch.com.