Natural High

In 2014, Kyle Jean Hairston passed away from an accidental drug overdose. Each year his family celebrates his life by climbing a mountain on his birthday, September 27th. This year marks Kyle's 30th birthday, and to honor his legacy, we're climbing something BIG... Kilimanjaro! To accompany this big Climb for Kyle, we're also fundraising to a goal of $5,000. All fundraising proceeds will go to Natural High, a charity focusing on getting young people to experience new adventures and steer away from substance abuse in order to combat the opioid crisis. Please help us reach this goal by donating below. You can also help our efforts by spreading the word, getting outside for a hike on September 27th, and using the hashtag #climbforkyle.

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Kyle and I used to hike in the white mountains often. Kyle seemed to hate every aspect of hiking.

He hated packing.

He hated walking without frequent breaks.

He hated being hungry.

He hated how much farther we needed to go.

And he hated doing his own cooking.

But he loved reaching the top.

...and he loved goofing off.

As much as it seemed like he hated the whole ordeal, he always asked me when the next hike was. "When's the next time we're goin, what mountain, and what food we bringing?!" He dreaded the effort, but thoroughly enjoyed the sense of freedom and accomplishment of being remote in the mountains.

To celebrate his life, my family and I have climbed mountains in New Hampshire each year since 2014. Some years we've had dozens of people come to celebrate with us.

Other years only a small crew could keep the tradition alive.

But most importantly each year we remember Kyle and his legacy by making the effort to get outdoors and reminiscing the moments he would tell silly stories on the trail, or be caught lightening his backpack's weight by dumping out some Gatorade or Goldfish.

Can't wait to celebrate you this year from the roof of Africa!

Love uncle Jake