Rick, 38, will walk 220 miles along the John Muir Trail from Yosemite National Park to the top of Mount Whitney.
Rick's one-year-old son Daniel caught and recovered from viral meningitis when he was four weeks old.
Rick from Bramhall, Stockport, said: "The shock it caused and the brilliance with which it was dealt with by the hospital has made a lasting impression on me and my wife.
"Thankfully Daniel has recovered and we are very lucky, but I am now supporting the search for a vaccine."
His brother Peter will join him on the three-week adventure. Rick said: "We will be walking about 10 miles every day and have to cater for every eventuality, including bears and snow at 14,500ft."
Rick has so far raised £1,400 and his company Network Rail will match that amount.
Steve Dayman from Meningitis UK said: "We wish him the best of luck."
For information about Meningitis UK call 0117 373 7373 or visit meningitisUK.org .
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