The best views come after the hardest climb.
In August 2020, our six month old daughter, Juniper (or Juni) was diagnosed with a rare and catastrophic form of pediatric epilepsy called Infantile Spasms. Since that day, Juni has trialed over 13 medications, a VNS implant surgery, various holistic treatments, a medical ketogenic diet, and two brain surgeries (the most recent being a hemispherectomy surgery a few days after her first birthday). Unfortunately, Juniper still has seizures every single day.
Due to her epilepsy and surgeries, Juniper has various permanent physical and intellectual disabilities.
But Juni is so much more than a child with epilepsy. She is incredibly social and loves meeting new people. She has the biggest laugh and a smile that takes up her entire face. She loves bubbles, music, water, dancing, and animal sound books. She's never met a cheese she dislikes, and like her parents, adores being outside.
Juni has been through more in her three years of life than most experience in an entire lifetime. She faces many challenges and obstacles everyday and will continue to do so for the rest of her life. However, somehow, she keeps smiling... or sparkling as we often call it.
If she can do hard things and keep going, so can we. That's why we (Derek aka "Dad" and Hailey aka "mom") are thrilled to take on this year’s Trailblaze Challenge- a 26.3 mile trek in July at Silverfalls State Park in support of Make-A-Wish for a SECOND year!
In addition to the physical challenge, we have committed ourselves to raising the essential funds necessary for Make-A-Wish to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses, just like Juniper. With your help, proving hope and joy during these uncertain times is possible.
Wish kids are some of the most resilient and sweetest kids you'll ever know. We know because in 2023, Juniper became a wish kid. Due to her love of outdoors, her wish is to have a travel trailer so she can experience the beauty of Oregon (and surrounding areas) in a more accessible way.
Make-A-Wish grants thousands of unique wishes each year. A lot, yes. But that’s only 50% of eligible kids, and now more than ever every child needs something positive to look forward to. We’re fundraising so more deserving kids and their families may know the true happiness, relief and renewal a wish can bring.
Please help us support this impactful mission by joining us on the trail or helping us hit our Trailblaze Challenge fundraising goal. Thank you for your support!
