Peter's PCT Passion

My eldest son, Peter, was born with life threatening congenital heart conditions and, through medical miracles, is now 42. Peter has just been presented with the incredible opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This 2,650-mile journey stretches from the US borders of Mexico to Canada and can take 4-6 months to complete (thru hike).

To understand the passion behind Peter's dream, I need to start at the beginning. Peter was a blue baby, born with multiple complex heart defects that required immediate surgery at 3 days old and many subsequent surgeries and procedures, the most recent of which was when he was 40 years old. With endless gratitude, we credit Seattle Children's Hospital, the late Dr. Stamm and now UW Medicine Adult Congenital

Heart clinic, Dr Dean, for our walking miracle. Or should I say "hiking" miracle?

From day one, Peter has had an affinity for the outdoors. When breathing was hard as a baby, his dad and I would take him outside in the fresh air where Peter seemed to calm and relax. Taking Peter for walks became the norm. As he grew, his walks became hikes and his hikes turned into adventures! To this day, he passes his love of the outdoors on to his four children who look forward to weekend adventures with their dad.

If you could talk to Peter, he'd be the first to tell you that he never, ever thought he would live to be the 42 years he is today. He would tell you how precious time is, a commodity. Peter strives to live life to its fullest --never letting his heart conditions

prevent him from seeing and doing as much as he can.

Peter is also a very determined, hardworking, loyal employee who has worked for Albertsons (a grocery chain) for over 25 consecutive years. He started as a bagger at 16 and is still with them today in management. His good natured, "can do" attitude is appreciated by all co-workers.

It is no wonder why this opportunity to hike the PCT is so important to Peter and why he can't let this opportunity slip away especially when he was just issued a hard-to-obtain hiking permit. To hike the PCT, you have apply for a permit and

be lucky enough to have your name drawn in a lottery that occurs once a year in 2 sessions. Peter has applied for a few years and has always been disappointed -- until now. On January 10, 2024, in the second and last session for 2024 permits, Peter's name was drawn for a May start. He still can't wipe the smile off his face!

But there is not much time to prepare--3 months to get ready for a 6 month journey and so much to plan, purchase, organize and arrange. With your donation, you will become part of Peter's epic journey and fulfillment of his dream. Anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated.

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much"

Helen Keller

Thank You.