Grief is something I have been blessed to not face much in life. However, this past Christmas everything shifted. I lost my wonderful dad to a two-year battle with cancer. He was 57, young, and so full of life, with so much he still wanted to do. His happy place was in the woods surrounded by trees. He would often take me on a 13-mile hike around a local reservoir. He taught me to love the outdoors and hiking. He also instilled in me a heart of generosity and compassion for others.
As I have had to face this new season of life without him, I was given an opportunity to participate in this year’s Trailblaze Challenge. A 28.3-mile hike in a single day to raise the critical funds necessary for Make-A-Wish. These funds grant the one true wish for each eligible child with a critical illness.
Make-A-Wish provides these children, who are young, full of life, with so much they still want to and can do, with the hope and joy they desperately need. However, many eligible kids are still waiting for their wishes to be granted. That's why I'm taking on The Trailblaze Challenge, to give hope to those who are still waiting. On a personal level- these 28.3 miles serve as a tangible way for me to honor my dad. My hope is to use this challenge to heal, connect and see the hope in grief. I know if my dad was here with me, he would be right beside me on this journey. All 28.3 miles of it.
These kids deal with grief and loss every day. Loss of abilities, loss of hope, grieving what normal childhood should be. Many of the children suffer from the same horrible illness that unfortunately took my dad. But through Make-A-Wish more than 15,000 wishes are granted nationwide every year. But that's only 50% of the eligible kids. Every hour of every day, on average, three children are diagnosed with a critical illness. They and their families endure so many hardships.
Your donation can make a significant impact in their lives and bring hope where it's needed most. To cut through the grief and let joy be a part of their story. Your support can help us make a difference for these brave children and their families. Follow me on social media to keep up with our journey @kyleeanspach.
Additionally, I am working alongside three other wonderful teammates, and we will be doing pottery classes at Hollowed earth pottery to help raise funds. Check out their social media for more information @hollowedearth
✨Let's come together and bring hope to these kids. Your generosity can change lives. Thank you for donating and following along my journey✨