A Reunion Weekend to Inspire: Andrea Peet’s Brave Journey and Lessons Learned

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A Reunion Weekend to Inspire: Andrea Peet’s Brave Journey and Lessons Learned

A Reunion Weekend to Inspire: Andrea Peet’s Brave Journey and Lessons Learned

June 2, 2023

Author: Mary Elizabeth DeAngelis

Andrea Lytle Peet '03 completes 50 marathons in 50 states — In May, Andrea Lytle Peet '03 became the first person with ALS to complete 50 marathons in 50 states.

As ��Ʒ�Ƽ� alumni gather to celebrate their reunions this weekend, the Class of 2003 will celebrate their 20th with a member whose brave race against ALS inspired a new documentary and book.

Andrea Lytle Peet ’03, her husband, David Peet ’05, and Political Science Professor Ken Menkhaus will join for a presentation that includes a short trailer from the documentary,

The film follows Andrea Peet’s journey as the first person with ALS to complete a marathon in all 50 of America’s states. The former runner achieved that goal in Alaska last year, working her way through rigorous courses on a recumbent trike.

Peet has also written a book, (Pegasus Books/Simon & Schuster), with Meredith Atwood. It will be released in September.

And save the date of Oct. 12 for a screening of the documentary at the college. will host an author event with Peet before the screening.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that afflicts an estimated 15,000 Americans. It’s also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Peet was first diagnosed in 2014; Menkhaus, the college’s C. Louis Nelson Political Science Professor, in 2018.

Both became advocates. Andrea and David Peet founded , a non-profit that has raised more than a million dollars for ALS research. Menkhaus serves on the Board of Trustees for the .

Their presentation, “Advocacy from a Different Angle: Life with ALS,” will be part of the reunion’s faculty-led classes. It will explore the challenges, refocused priorities and quest to make a difference while living with a terminal illness. It’s scheduled from 4-5 p.m. in Room 210 of the E. Craig Wall Jr. Academic Center.

“I cannot wait to see my classmates from Davidson,” Peet said. “When I saw everyone at our 15th reunion, I doubted that I would live long enough to make it to our 20th. I am so grateful that I was wrong, and it just reminds me of how much of a gift it is to see them again.”