Final Update - After the Hike

Trailblaze Challenge Update -

We did it! It was HARD. But we supported each other and we can do hard things! We were all so sore afterwards, physically and emotionally exhausted, but so worth every step #forthekids. The stories shared and everyone’s personal journey was beyond inspiring.

These critically ill kids, that we hiked for, suffer pain, loss of social experiences, and time taken away from being kids every day they go through treatment for months, years or the rest of their lives. The wishes we helped to fund give back a bit of “just being a kid” and give their families a chance to reconnect and just enjoy each other.
Every step of the 28-mile hike was made possible by your generous support and encouragement.

Your donations have made a significant impact, helping Make-A-Wish bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses. Knowing that we had such a wonderful network of friends and family backing us was truly motivating and kept us going even when the trail got tough.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and generosity. We couldn't have done this without you. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of many. 

With deepest gratitude,
Laurie, Angela, Renee, Amy, and Kristine
64 and Sunny Hikers

Update 5/1/24 - One Month Till The Big Hike!

This past weekend, we completed training hike #13 Noble Canyon 21.1 Miles. This was the longest training hike scheduled and the longest hike any of our team members have ever completed. We know we are ready for our 28 miles and we can do it!

We are so thankful for our family members who have managed things while we are gone for these long training days. We continue to be so grateful for all of the support and encouragement of everyone and all of the donations. Our team has raised over $13,000 so far and, as a group, all of the Trailblazers have raised over $670,000 to grant wishes!

Laurie, Renee, Angela, Amy, and Kristine

Update 4/7/24 

We met our Team Goal today and then blasted right past it! 

Training Hike #10 was yesterday - a fun day hiking in the snow for 4 of our team members. I (Laurie) didn't do this hike to give my knee a rest. But it looked amazing and our team ROCKED IT!

Then we got our final $26 to meet our team goal of $12,500. And right after that, Renee got a generous donation that met her personal goal and pushed the team right up to $12,625! We are SOO thankful for the support and encouragement of everyone who is helping us on this journey. Please know that you are making a huge difference in the lives of so many kids.

We have 8 more weeks of training to be ready for this hike and we will continue to raise funds to help grant wishes! Thank you all for your support! 

Laurie, Renee, Angela, Amy and Kristine

Update 3/23/24

Training hike #8 complete today! 12 miles on the PCT with about 100 of our new friends all here for Make-A-Wish! We are honored by the support from our friends and family and thrilled we can help make wishes come true! As of today, our team is $810 from our goal. We would love any donations, big or small to help us reach that goal. We won't stop there, as we want to help grant as many wishes as possible, but we are working to reach this amazing accomplishment with all of your support! (New team photo from Training hike #8)

Update 3/14/24
We are so excited to have passed $10,000 raised today! (The online system came back up and new donations were able to process.)

We are blown away by the generosity of our friends and family! A big shout out to our work out family at Trainer Jane's. You all inspire us to keep doing hard things and we thank you for your donations. Thank you to all who are helping to make wishes come true! 

Some facts from the Make-A-Wish website:

Update 2/17/24

Halfway there! We are so excited to reach the halfway mark for our team fundraising just a month into our 4 month training and fundraising challenge. We just completed our 3rd training hike at Mother Miguel Mountain Trail down in Chula Vista. We left at 5:30am to join about 100 other Make-A-Wish Trailblaze hikers to complete this trail and continue improving our skills and stamina. 

Each week we hear from Suzanne Husby, the CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego, who shares with us the story of a Wish recipient and how our fundraising and support are helping kids in San Diego. She hikes along with us each week - what other CEO does that?! 

We also get to learn from amazing Trail Leaders, volunteers who pre-plan and check out the hikes ahead of our training. They get there early to set up, check us in, give us amazing tips throughout the hike, and make sure no one gets left behind!

Thank you for supporting our team challenge and making wishes come true for critically ill kids!

Love, Team 64 and Sunny

Laurie, Angela, Renee, Amy, and Kristine

Challenge Accepted - January 22, 2024

Last year we started hiking together and challenged ourselves to hike the highest peaks in San Diego County. We were able to choose nice, cool, sunny days to complete our hikes (Team 64° and Sunny). 

This year, we are thrilled to take on the Trailblaze Challenge. The day will begin before sunrise in 20-40° temps, and we will hike the 28 miles on Pacific Crest Trail in one day no matter what the weather may bring. We will be there for the kids.

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. A wish is something that gives kids the opportunity to look outside their illness — it restores a sense of childhood back to the child and normalcy back to the family.

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!