A Backpacking Dream to Find Closure and Honor

Dear Potential Donors,

I am writing to you today with an ambitious dream born from a complex past. My name is Jerry Collins, and I have made the decision for my birthday, to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking journey: thru-hiking the entire Appalachian Trail (A.T.), a 2,100-mile trek stretching over the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine.

This hike holds profound significance for me. Recently, I lost my mother at the age of 68, reigniting unresolved feelings surrounding the ostracization I faced for being gay. Her passing has been a profound loss, compounded by the fact that she never fully accepted my identity.

However, from a young age, she instilled in me a deep love for the outdoors. Hiking the A.T. was her lifelong dream, a dream she could never fulfill due to health struggles. By undertaking this incredible challenge, I not only fulfill my own aspiration but also find a way to honor her memory and the complicated relationship we shared.

This journey is an opportunity for me to confront the pain of rejection while simultaneously paying tribute to the woman who first sparked my passion for nature. It is a path toward closure and healing, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

However, embarking on such an endeavor comes with significant financial hurdles. The expenses associated with gear, food, transportation, and other necessities are substantial. That is why I humbly turn to you, seeking your generous support.

Your donation, no matter the amount, will not only aid in making this dream a reality but will also serve as a symbol of acceptance and understanding. Together, we can celebrate the complexity of human relationships and the power of perseverance.

I plan to begin my journey on April 12th, anticipating a return in early October. Throughout this incredible adventure, I will be documenting my experiences and sharing them with all of you, providing a glimpse into the beauty of nature and the profound journey of self-discovery.

Please consider contributing to this deeply personal and meaningful cause. Your generosity will not only support my journey but will also honor the memory of a complicated woman who, despite her struggles, gifted me with a love for the outdoors that has sustained me through life's challenges.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Jerry P. Collins, Jr.