Portrait 36: Tin Man

"This is the ultimate rehab validation." - Tin Man, a hiker

Tin Man sat with me in a forest near the VT/NH border. He was surprisingly jovial for someone having just been through the White Mountains. And this guy is a two time cancer survivor, with a total hip replacement, with completely rebuilt knees. "When I told my physical therapist I was going to do the AT, she was like 'But you're a tin man!'" It's obvious he's loving life.

"I tell ya, I have enjoyed this trail."

But there's one more thing he says he needs: an opportunity to give back. He represents the Teressa Rosalind French Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to young women wishing to meet their educational and spiritual goals.

"Teresa was a loving, vibrant young lady who was taken from this Earth unexpectedly at age 16."

Despite all the opportunities to be unhappy, Tin Man was smiling the entire time we talked. His upbeat positivity is inspiring.

"Every day is a blessing."