Why am I hiking again this year? Is it the 3am wake up call on hike day? The 45 minute drive to the trailhead while still kind of asleep, or the 45 minute ride back to the hotel after the hike, just hoping and praying for no cramping? Or maybe it’s the hope of re-creating the adrenaline rush at mile 14 when I just barely avoided stepping on a copperhead?
No, it’s none of those things, though they are all memorable in their own, unique way. It’s the sheer joy that comes from knowing I've done something to help a child suffering from a critical illness. It’s hearing the father of a “wish kid” talk about how meaningful the wish granted to their child was - even as he’s fighting tears because his daughter passed away. It’s meeting a 16 year old who is hiking for the second time, with his sister, mom, and dad - and doing so because he was a Wish Kid, and they want to give back because they are so thankful for Make-A-Wish.
Very personally, it is the reaction of my daughter, Alice, when I answered “yes” to her question of whether I was hiking again. The pride and love on her face will be enough to push me forward through the hardest sections of the hike. All these things, and so many others, bring me back to the Trailblaze Challenge for a second time.
I did the hike last year because I wanted to challenge myself. I was thrilled to help Make-A-Wish, but I also wanted to do something as physically and mentally taxing as hiking 28.3 miles in one day. It means so much to me, personally, to know I did it. But now, one year later, I know so much more about Make-A-Wish, their mission, and the tangible impact they have on so many lives. And frankly, there is no way I could not come back for Round 2.
If you are able, please consider helping me make a wish possible for a child with a critical illness. Your help and support will certainly mean the world to me, and help encourage me in those hard parts of the hike (miles 13-23, specifically). But more importantly, your support will help provide some relief, light, and respite for those children and families who need it most. Thank you so much for your support and help.