Walk with Ivan & Darlene
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Situation: Ivan Castro, Co-Author of Fighting Blind: A Green Beret's Story of Extraordinary Courage has challenged himself to travel on foot the 2,650 miles of The Pacific Crest Trail during 2020. Ivan is a combat injured, blinded Army Special Forces veteran whose speaking events and public efforts have raised over 5 million dollars for non-profit organizations that support veterans, family members and those suffering with mental health needs. Ivan's journey through blindness is one of continued courage, determination and recovery through sport that inspires people from all walks of life to dream more, learn more, do more, become more.
Ivan asked me, Darlene, to guide and serve as his eyes on this trek. Ivan needs my help and we need yours. This will be our toughest endeavor in resilience and teamwork yet. We invite you to actually walk with us on trail, join us on Instagram & Facebook, share the story and support our efforts.
Ivan’s Story: On September 2nd, 2006 a barrage of mortar shells in Iraq would present Ivan with the toughest assignment of his 28 year military career, to simply survive. The attack inflicted great bodily harm and forced him into blindness, initially his greatest nemesis that would become his driving motivation. His decision to thrive rather than just survive, started a momentous push. To be strong in the face of fear. To thrive against all odds. To never be defeated. To be defined on his own terms. For him this challenge never ends, nor does his dedication to overcome it.
It’s because of Ivan's deep commitment to live a life beyond being blind, to continue to lead and give back to others that he has accomplished feats outside of what was thought possible…but it takes quite a bit of help. With the help of multiple guides, he has completed over 60 marathons , cycled across America, summited Mount Kilimanjaro , ran with the bulls , trekked 221 miles across Antarctica to become the only blind American to ski to the South Pole , run across the Sahara Desert and much more . The Pacific Crest Trail is his, and thus our, next challenge.
Why have I said yes to walking almost 3,000 miles with 30 pounds on my back through the dessert, over the Sierras and across the Cascades while avoiding rattlesnakes, bees, lightning, hypothermia, bears, giardia and myriad encounters with possible death? Because my friend, Ivan Castro , asked me to. I serve as his eyes and he calls me his guardian angel.
We request your financial help so that we can continue Ivan's recovery through sport, achieve the goal he has set for 2020 and offer inspiration to others. I have been Ivan's eyes, friend and care giver since 2014. The world is a better place with superheroes in it. Ivan is one of them but he doesn’t do it alone. He needs my help and we need yours.
What will the funds be used for? The money will help pay for transportation, supplies/gear, inexpensive lodging and logistical support for Ivan and me. For a detailed budget and more information please contact us directly.
Where? The Pacific Crest Trail – Basically Mexico to Canada starting at Campo, California and ending at Monument 78 in Washington state.
When? April 10, 2020 – September 28, 2020 are our permit dates for a thru hike. That means we start our northbound trek on the California side of the Mexico - US border April 10. Thru-hiking permits are limited to 50 per day and we are blessed to have gotten ours! Historically, Mother Nature requires that hikers be completed with their trek by October 1st.
When to fund? Right now is always best but anytime throughout the journey is appreciated. The initial monies will be used for equipment, outbound flight and select resupply. General resupply, re-equip and purchase of consumables will be ongoing as needed.
How will this happen without your support? Funding will be out of pocket, on credit cards and with the help of Craigslist and a rummage sale or two! We are selling personal possessions to generate extra cash. We are determined to make this happen and no obstacle will get in the way!!
That’s it for now. If this trip resonates with you and helping financially is something you do, please do it now. Thank you.
Other ways to help? If you would like to offer support but not financially we are accepting of all sorts of good will:
Say a prayer! We believe in guardian angels.
Live close by the PCT? Join us on trail. Walk a few miles with us.
Join the team and walk several hundred or a 1000+ miles with us.
Walk with us virtually - Take a walk in your own neighborhood with a friend or family.
Follow us on Instagram: eyesofivan
Follow us on Facebook: @eyesofivan
Share our story with a business that is interested in corporate sponsorship.
Get a copy of Ivan’s Book: Fighting Blind: A Green Beret’s Story of Extraordinary Courage
Ivan asked me, Darlene, to guide and serve as his eyes on this trek. Ivan needs my help and we need yours. This will be our toughest endeavor in resilience and teamwork yet. We invite you to actually walk with us on trail, join us on Instagram & Facebook, share the story and support our efforts.
Ivan’s Story: On September 2nd, 2006 a barrage of mortar shells in Iraq would present Ivan with the toughest assignment of his 28 year military career, to simply survive. The attack inflicted great bodily harm and forced him into blindness, initially his greatest nemesis that would become his driving motivation. His decision to thrive rather than just survive, started a momentous push. To be strong in the face of fear. To thrive against all odds. To never be defeated. To be defined on his own terms. For him this challenge never ends, nor does his dedication to overcome it.
It’s because of Ivan's deep commitment to live a life beyond being blind, to continue to lead and give back to others that he has accomplished feats outside of what was thought possible…but it takes quite a bit of help. With the help of multiple guides, he has completed over 60 marathons , cycled across America, summited Mount Kilimanjaro , ran with the bulls , trekked 221 miles across Antarctica to become the only blind American to ski to the South Pole , run across the Sahara Desert and much more . The Pacific Crest Trail is his, and thus our, next challenge.
Why have I said yes to walking almost 3,000 miles with 30 pounds on my back through the dessert, over the Sierras and across the Cascades while avoiding rattlesnakes, bees, lightning, hypothermia, bears, giardia and myriad encounters with possible death? Because my friend, Ivan Castro , asked me to. I serve as his eyes and he calls me his guardian angel.
We request your financial help so that we can continue Ivan's recovery through sport, achieve the goal he has set for 2020 and offer inspiration to others. I have been Ivan's eyes, friend and care giver since 2014. The world is a better place with superheroes in it. Ivan is one of them but he doesn’t do it alone. He needs my help and we need yours.
What will the funds be used for? The money will help pay for transportation, supplies/gear, inexpensive lodging and logistical support for Ivan and me. For a detailed budget and more information please contact us directly.
Where? The Pacific Crest Trail – Basically Mexico to Canada starting at Campo, California and ending at Monument 78 in Washington state.
When? April 10, 2020 – September 28, 2020 are our permit dates for a thru hike. That means we start our northbound trek on the California side of the Mexico - US border April 10. Thru-hiking permits are limited to 50 per day and we are blessed to have gotten ours! Historically, Mother Nature requires that hikers be completed with their trek by October 1st.
When to fund? Right now is always best but anytime throughout the journey is appreciated. The initial monies will be used for equipment, outbound flight and select resupply. General resupply, re-equip and purchase of consumables will be ongoing as needed.
How will this happen without your support? Funding will be out of pocket, on credit cards and with the help of Craigslist and a rummage sale or two! We are selling personal possessions to generate extra cash. We are determined to make this happen and no obstacle will get in the way!!
That’s it for now. If this trip resonates with you and helping financially is something you do, please do it now. Thank you.
Other ways to help? If you would like to offer support but not financially we are accepting of all sorts of good will:
Say a prayer! We believe in guardian angels.
Live close by the PCT? Join us on trail. Walk a few miles with us.
Join the team and walk several hundred or a 1000+ miles with us.
Walk with us virtually - Take a walk in your own neighborhood with a friend or family.
Follow us on Instagram: eyesofivan
Follow us on Facebook: @eyesofivan
Share our story with a business that is interested in corporate sponsorship.
Get a copy of Ivan’s Book: Fighting Blind: A Green Beret’s Story of Extraordinary Courage
Organizer
Darlene Matos
Organizer
Raeford, NC