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, but also with grace. She was a woman of strength, unwavering love and compassion, and she 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 all that knew her. She was a LIGHT to so many.

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 through so much and I am eternally grateful for the strength and support she received being a 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 and adventuring outdoors became one of our favorite things, and we shared the dream of one day doing a long trek together.

She always made it a point to make curiosity, play, wonder, and connection part of her daily life. Even through her fight with cancer, she remained positive, optimistic, and determined. She continued to LIVE her life with joy and infinite gratitude. She was a true inspiration.

From the mountains to the sea, we made the best memories, and with these and through her eyes, I will continue the journey and proudly carry her with me.

After losing both parents to cancer and then years later, her, my decision to do this became solid. The feeling of helplessness and defeat I know 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 and he was on his last days here, he said to me, “You are my strong Kimber, please keep doing what you’re doing… build yourself strong so you can be strong for others. Keep helping others get to know they’re strong.”

A constant mantra for me over the years has been that each day I wake up with two feet and a heartbeat is a good day, and having the ability to get up and out of bed, move, and build myself strong is a gift. Our time here is a precious commodity. My priority is to LIVE fully, and do it with purpose. To get out and move/hike for the people that can’t, and to encourage others to do the same. No better time than the present.