For the 6th year in a row, I'm taking on the Trailblaze Challenge, an endurance hiking event hosted by Make-A-Wish Maine. Along with other participants, I will be training to hike 23.4 miles on the Maine Hut Trail (Carrabassett Valley) on Saturday, September 21, all while raising money to fund life-changing wishes for children in Maine with critical illnesses.
The fundraising minimum for me to participate in this event is $2,500.
In 2019, I was present while Make-A-Wish Maine granted a wish to a local family and their son. Being involved in the wish of this little boy was an experience I will never forget.
When I heard about the Trailblaze Challenge in 2019, I knew I had to participate. At the time, I had completed more than 10 half marathons and countless other races of varying distances and terrains. I had always wanted to run a full marathon but that seemed a daunting task. For some reason hiking 23.4 miles sounded like a more realistic goal, though that event's fundraising goal of $2,500 was no joke! The pain and struggles I would endure are nothing compared to what the Make-A-Wish kids go through.
Not only did I finish my first hike in the allotted time and raise the funds (thanks to many of you); I conquered some fears, made new friends and found a love for hiking along the way. This event is life changing - mentally, physically, and emotionally. These are just a few of the many reasons I am committed to raising money for Make-A-Wish Maine.
For the next few months, my weekends will be spent in preparation, hiking 3-20-mile trails in Maine and New Hampshire. Join me in whatever way you can!
How can you help?
* Support Make-A-Wish Maine by donating today. No amount is too small.
* If you're donating, check to see if the business you work for will match funds.
* Share my Facebook posts.
* Join me! Ask me for more information on how to get started.
* For businesses that would like to support me and Make-A-Wish Maine, sponsorships are available starting at $500. If you would like to learn more, reach out anytime and I will send you the details.
Total funds raised with your help:
2021 - $2,760
2020 - $2,885
2019 - $2,580
2022 - $3,293
2023 - tbd
