Hi, my name is Kristi and I hate Melanoma. Specifically, Melanoma positive for the BRAF mutation.

7 years ago my family's life was turned upside down when my father, Jay, found a suspicious mole on his back. In a period of 3 weeks, my dad went from being completely healthy 53-year-old to a advanced stage oncology patient with poor odds of long term survival. My father's life was immediately shifted into a world of surgeries, chemo, immunotherapies, tests, procedures, and uncertainties on what the future would hold.

After 7 years of fighting, my father went to be with the Lord on April 27, 2024. Although he is no longer fighting earthside, statistically he did remarkably well, as only 20% of BRAF+ melanoma patients survive beyond 5 years. Although Melanoma research has drastically expanded treatment options in recent years, there are limited interventions with long term effectiveness for BRAF+ patients.

It's my goal to help change this.

This summer I am going to attempt to hike 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail (AT) as a solo female to raise money for melanoma research. The AT is a 2200 mile hike from Georgia to Maine and typically takes hikers 4-6 months to complete. I will be attempting to walk from the southern terminus of Springer Mountain to historical Damascus, VA. I will be leaving my job, as well as taking time away from my husband, family, friends, and golden retriever because the pain of cancer is a bigger issue than my personal life.

It is my goal that through documenting my journey along the AT on social media, I will raise awareness, funding, and research efforts specifically to find more treatment options for individuals with the BRAF mutation.

100% of money donated on this page will be given BRAF+ Melanoma research.

None of the money donated through GoFundMe will finance my the logistics of my hike. All of my food, accommodation, travel, and gear has been financed independently through myself and family.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and I hope you feel inspired to donate to the cause. Please feel free to follow the journey on TikTok and Instagram (@miles4melanoma). Always remember to wear sunscreen, check your moles, and I'll see you in Damascus.

Peace and love,

Kristi