In honor of my sister Christi Nelson, who recently passed away, I will be starting my thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail starting March of 2026 and will continue the 2,650 mile trek from Mexico to Canada in hopes to help make a difference for a cause that's close to my heart and more than worthy of the effort.

My sister fought the hardest of hard, showing endless courage and always with true grit and grace. She was a woman of strength, unwavering love and compassion, and lived every moment with gratitude. Her dedication to her children, her family, and everything that was important to her made her an inspiring presence to so many people.

During her 11-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, my sister found immense support through BAYS, a support community for young people undergoing breast cancer treatment in the Bay Area. Years into her own battle, she led support groups here and later joined the board of directors as support group chairperson, with the continued goal of supporting young people with breast cancer and welcoming a safe community for young cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers.

BAYS helped my sister in so many incredible ways and I am eternally grateful for the strength and support she received being part of this amazing community.

This brings me to my WHY….

Since we were kids, my sister and I shared a huge love for the outdoors. We grew up going camping, visiting national parks and discovered a lot of healing through Nature. Hiking together became our favorite thing to do and we talked and shared the dream of doing a pilgrimage one day.

She always made it a point to make curiosity, play, wonder, awe, connection, and a little bit of excitement as part of daily life. From the mountains to the sea, we made the best memories. It is with these and through her eyes, I will continue the journey and proudly carry her with me.

After losing both our parents to cancer and then her, my decision to do this became solid. The feeling of helplessness and defeat I remember too well. I spent countless days wishing there was something I could do to take away their pain, to help ease the suffering, to make their days a little brighter. When my dad’s health was quickly declining, he said to me, “You’re my strong Kimber, I want you to please keep doing what you’re doing… build yourself strong so you can be strong for others. And keep helping others get to know they’re strong.”

A constant mantra for me over the years—any day you wake up with two feet and a heartbeat is a good day. If you have the ability to get up, move, and build yourself strong, that is truly a gift, and one that should never be taken for granted. Time here is our most precious commodity. Let’s make it a priority to LIVE fully, and do it with purpose. Let’s move/hike/walk for the people that can’t. No better time than the present.