Little E was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy last summer. This disease is rapidly challenging Ethan's muscles and abilities. One of our favorite family time activities is getting out, enjoying hiking, nature, and exploring new territory we've never explored before. Ethan has always been happy riding on my back and I love carrying him, but I've noticed he's getting bigger and it's harder for both of us to hang on. So I purchased a lightweight patient lift backpack, thinking that would do the trick in giving us the extra support we needed. Over Memorial weekend, we decided to try it out at one of our favorite hotspots, Whitewater. We learned that Ethan is getting tired and pushing hard, but needing assistance for much of the trail. The lightweight backpack was not at all comfortable for Ethan and his growth has proven to add extra difficulty for me. As we were leaving and feeling a tad discouraged and sad to see the reality that hiking may look very different for us this year and the years to come, a man and his beautiful daughter with TBI came walking past us and shared this "Huckleberry Hiker" is absolutely amazing and takes most of the weight and makes traveling around so easy, including hiking Whitewater. I found the website, but realized that family expenses are getting high, with 2 seniors in the house graduating next year, a teenage beauty, and a special needs boy. Hoping to raise enough to get this hiker before the summer ends and continue hiking and exploring more than ever before. Any little bit helps. Forever grateful for my little village. Couldn't do life without you. Much love and appreciation for everything as we take this journey called life.

More about the Huckleberry Hiker:

https://huckleberryhiking.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooY_OvBa3-FkAoZCLLkifMLu1pNmINlLy_QlOhkVaCA0PU86Qfb