2024 Accessible Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

Hi, everyone! My name is Justine, and I am raising funds for my June 2024 pilgrimage hike through Spain on the Camino de Santiago . The group I'll be going with is the Accessible Camino, which takes about 25 people who are a mix of walkers and wheelchair rollers on the last 100km of the Camino de Santiago hike over the course of 7 days on the Portuguese route. There are roughly 5 walkers for each roller so that there are enough walkers to help push, pull, or carry the roller through rough terrain. You can get an idea of what our journey will be like here.

If you'd like to receive a thank-you postcard from me while I'm hiking the Camino, feel free to email me your mailing address.

What Your Money is Paying For

The funds I raise here will go towards the cost of the trip, which amounts to $4,000, not including roundtrip airfare. Your donation will be put towards room and board, the tour guide, logistical planning by our group leaders, and hiking gear (backpack and shoes).

Why I'm Making This Trip

I found out about this special group when I was working for the US Department of Defense as a writer in 2023. Someone submitted an article for me to edit about a trip they did that summer with Accessible Camino, and I got interested. As a Catholic, I'd heard about the Camino de Santiago, and it's been on my bucketlist for a while. But I had no idea how to go about planning such a long hike like that all by myself. I was really grateful to come across Patrick and Justin's Accessible Camino group, which takes care of the planning.

More importantly, in my career I have worked for the US Department of Health and Human Services in emergency preparedness and response, and focused on planning for populations with access and functional needs (AFN). The truth is, most of our infrastructure does not accommodate AFN, even though it is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are many things able-bodied people take for granted, like opening doors or walking up stairs, that are more difficult for those who may not have those abilities. In foreign countries, especially those that are less developed, the lack of adequate infrastructure is even worse, and prevents many people in wheelchairs from traveling. It means a lot to me to be able to join a group like this to help others be able to enjoy seeing another part of the world that they may not get to see otherwise.

If you'd like to receive a postcard from me while I'm hiking the Camino, feel free to email me your mailing address.