THE ISSUE: Itâs Monday, the day we take a few moments to highlight the good news in Lancaster County. Some of these items are welcome developments on the economic front or for neighborhoods across the county. Others are local stories of achievement, perseverance, compassion and creativity that represent welcome points of light in a still-difficult time. All of this news deserves a brighter spotlight.
We have another dandy batch of âGood Thingsâ to amplify today, and it starts with an inspirational story from a gnome-stead â err, homestead â in southeastern Lancaster County.
Richard Humphreys, a 78-year-old who runs the beloved Gnome Countryside nature trail in Kirkwood, is preparing to walk 380 miles to Ohio in order to âraise awareness about Type 1 diabetes and honor the 100th anniversary of insulinâs use as a treatment,â Mike Andrelczyk reported in the May 2 Sunday LNP | LancasterOnline.
One hundred years ago, everything about Richard Humphreysâ plan would be impossible.Â
One hundred years ago, a man like 78-year-old Humphreys probably wouldnât have lived as long as he has.Â
But a century after insulin was first introduced as a medical treatment, this Kirkwood man who has been living with Type 1 diabetes for 64 years is planning to walk 380 miles, from Pennsylvania to Ohio.Â
On May 16, Humphreys will strap on his pack with his tent and supplies, pick up his handmade rattlesnake-skin walking stick â a gift from his friend Dale Kirkpatrick â and begin his journey.Â
Heâll depart his home, which abuts his Gnome Countryside nature trail, a creation that has provided education and inspiration for thousands. His destination is Camp Ho Mita Koda â the worldâs oldest operating summer camp for children with Type 1 diabetes â in Newbury Township, Ohio, about 30 miles east of Cleveland.