For over a decade, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail has lived quietly in the back of my mind — not as an escape, but as something to grow into when the time was right.

That time arrived unexpectedly.

Earlier this year, I was laid off after many years in the same role. Like a lot of people facing midlife transitions, I suddenly found myself navigating uncertainty, stress, and some hard questions about what comes next. After a lot of reflection, I decided to meet this moment intentionally by committing to something I’ve long believed in: walking forward, even when the path isn’t fully clear.

This spring, I’ll be attempting a thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail — a 2,650-mile journey from the Mexican border to Canada through deserts, high mountains, and remote wilderness. It’s a physical challenge, a mental test, and a deeply personal transition. Long trails have a way of stripping life down to its essentials: food, water, movement, rest, and human connection. They teach resilience, humility, patience, and trust — lessons I plan to carry into the next chapter of my life.

Preparing for a hike of this scale means stepping away from traditional income for several months, and I’ve been hesitant to ask for help. Still, I’ve come to realize that accepting support is part of resilience too. This fundraiser is meant to bridge the gap — not to fund a luxury, but to help make a meaningful, hard-earned goal possible during a challenging moment.

How the funds will be used

The $5,000 goal will go directly toward:

Every contribution helps reduce stress and allows me to stay focused, safe, and present on the trail.

Staying connected

One of the things I’m most excited about is sharing the journey. I’ll be posting updates along the way, and for anyone who donates and would like one, I’d love to send a postcard from the trail! If you include your mailing info or message me, I’ll happily send one along the way.

This hike is a test of endurance, but it’s also a reminder that we don’t do hard things alone.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for supporting this journey in any way — whether through a donation, encouragement, or simply believing in the value of choosing growth during uncertain times.