SVU student plans to walk the walk to raise funds for amputees in Haiti

BUENA VISTA, Va. — He couldn't just donate $10 and let it vanish from his mind.

The images from the January earthquake in Haiti were too jarring for Zach Collett. The people's pain and suffering were too great.

So Collett decided to do something more.

In addition to summer internships and his wife expecting a baby, Collett has plans not typical for most college students. He is walking 1,000 miles from Washington, D.C., to Bicentennial Park in Miami to raise awareness and funds for Haitian amputees.

The journey was to start April 12 at the U.S. Capitol. Collett plans to be in Miami by May 15, having traveled 1,000 miles and burned an estimated 200,000 calories.

It all hit home after a soccer practice at Southern Virginia University, where Collett is a junior.

As elder statesman of the team, the 28-year-old returned Mormon missionary was feeling his age after one early-season practice. He complained about his sore, tired body.

In a hurry for work, he flipped on the TV and saw reports on amputees in Haiti.

"When I finally realized what was on the news, I froze," the San Diego native said. There were thousands of victims who may spend the rest of their lives without the limbs Collett was resenting.

An idea reminiscent of Forrest Gump hatched in his mind that eventually grew into what it is now.

"Zach wants to actually do something instead of saying 'that's awful' and turning off CNN," family friend April Cline said.

As a professional publicist, Cline was more than willing to lend her time and talents to the effort.

"It's a great cause, and he's a good guy," said Cline, who is offering her services pro bono. "It really warms the heart."

Collett and Cline are burning through their contact lists looking for as many potential sponsors as are willing.

A Web site, lengthenyourstride.org, was created for sponsors to donate and to track Collett's progress down the East Coast.

Nonprofit organizations such as Helping Hands for Haiti, Project Cure and Physicians for Peace are supporting Collett.

Sponsors can donate as little as half a cent per mile. Other goods and services are being sought through sponsors such as gas, food, hotels and clothing.

Every cent that is raised will go toward the people of need in Haiti. Collett has set what he thinks is a reachable, albeit lofty, goal of $10 million.

"I've come across so many great people and great organizations," Collett said.

Collett's wife, Sarah, will be driving their own vehicle as a pace car if they cannot line up a sponsor. The Colletts sold their second car and used their tax return to help finance the walk.

A lot of potential sponsors were initially excited but didn't expect Collett to follow through.

"Lots helping to talk the talk, but not walk the walk," he said.

Still, there are no hard feelings. Collett will just wave to them when he passes by along the way to Miami.

Collett plans to walk at least an average of 25 miles each day and hopes to interact with the community he is passing through each Saturday. He will also take to his bike on Saturdays to make up for any ground on his 1,000-mile journey.

"If I can find creative ways to help people in need," Collett said, "I'm going to do it for the rest of my life."

e-mail: jcrandall@desnews.com