The Story of Martin’s Sunrise
 
Martin Wallem was a lifelong outdoorsman and adventure seeker, passionate about everything
nature had to offer—hunting, fishing, skiing, backcountry snowboarding, hiking, and ice
climbing, to name a few. At 31, newly married and full of life, Martin was diagnosed with ALS,
also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease—a cruel and terminal illness. Given just three years to live,
Martin faced the greatest challenge of his life. And yet, he fought on for 18 incredible years.
 
ALS quickly stole Martin’s strong and healthy body, leaving him 99% paralyzed, unable to speak,
and on life support for 14 of those 18 years. But it never touched his mind or spirit. His
eyes—hazel and always twinkling—remained full of life, mischief, and love. Through sheer
determination, Martin learned to communicate non-verbally and became an advocate for ALS
awareness, speaking to schools, organizations, and communities through innovative means.
 
One of the most transformative moments in Martin’s journey came when he discovered that,
even with his physical limitations, he could return to the outdoors he loved so deeply. Thanks to
Sandy Kellogg Olney and Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC), what once
seemed impossible became a reality. While some were skeptical that Martin could take part in
adaptive sports, he was determined to prove them wrong—and he did. With grit and grace,
Martin thrived in adaptive hiking and skiing. These experiences brought him renewed joy, deep
friendships, and cherished memories.
 
Martin’s North Country family grew through these adventures. The love and support of the
adaptive community, combined with a shared passion for the wilderness, helped him return to
mountain trails and ski slopes—places many thought were beyond reach.
 
The Big Day: Sunrise Ascent No. 1
 
In August 2008, Martin’s dream of summiting Mount Washington became reality. In the quiet
hours before dawn, a team of 12 volunteers—his “Dream Team”—pushed him nearly eight
miles up the steep Mount Washington Auto Road in a trail rider hiking chair. That day marked

the first Sunrise Ascent on Mount Washington, now an annual fundraiser that welcomes
dozens of adaptive athletes and hundreds of supporters each year.
 
From 2008 until Martin’s passing in October 2020 (with just three weather-related alternate
hikes), he and his team climbed that mountain every August. Starting in complete darkness,
they made their way to the top to witness something extraordinary: the changing colors of the
sky—from deep blues and purples to fiery oranges and golds—culminating in the breathtaking
sunrise over the Presidential Mountains. It was a sacred, still moment. A celebration of
resilience. A glimpse of God’s beauty.
 
Thank you, Martin, for bringing us along on that unforgettable journey—for teaching us,
without a single spoken word, how to pause and marvel at the world around us. You showed us
that when we come together and support one another, even the steepest mountains can be
climbed.
 
Martin was a remarkable soul whose infectious smile, fierce spirit, and love of life touched
everyone he met.
 
In loving memory of Martin Wallem (11/18/1969 – 10/9/2020).