Derrick Hatcher, Alaskan Cruise 2016

Thanks to funds donated to The Gleason Initiative Foundation, Team Gleason was able to send Derrick Hatcher, his wife Beth, and their daughter on an Alaskan Cruise to enjoy the sights, great food, and memorable time with family! 

Beth Hatcher wrote to tell us “We had an amazing time! Derrick was moved to tears. And traveling with someone with ALS takes an army, but can be done!!! While traveling with Derrick was very difficult, we were very prepared and accomplished everything smoothly. I’m so glad we got to take this trip as a family.”

The first few days on their Adventure, the Hatcher Family was able to see Seattle, WA, the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm Fjord, numerous “breathtaking views” on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad in British Columbia, and have a King Crab meal in Skagway. Derrick and Beth took the Mount Roberts Tramway to see a live rescued Bald Eagle display and some panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel and the city itself.

The favorite excursion however happened in Ketchikan, AK. “We took a ride on the Aleutian Ballad, a Bering Sea crab fishing boat.  The crew was fantastic and took great care of us.  The let us up to see things first, so Derrick wouldn’t be blocked by others.  And they let us stay behind after everyone had gotten off the boat and took pictures with us and gave us a little extra attention.  Derrick was very moved.”

Rounding up the trip Derrick and his family stopped in Victoria, B.C.  They enjoyed some delicious fish and chips at the Bard & Banker Public House as well as listen to live music “which [Derrick and Beth] haven’t gotten to do in ages. We both love music very much and often attended concerts”.  From Victoria the Hatchers returned home in Tennessee at about 1:30 a.m. from Seattle. A very long day for Derrick.

The Hatchers told Team Gleason “We had a fabulous time and are so grateful for the experience!! I am so grateful for the memories, just thinking about the trip makes me a little emotional. Thank you so much!”