Help this Vet on the Path!

I AM A VET ON THE PATH! Always go a step beyond, reach for something a bit too far No path is straight, and none are easy. I am Shawn Murray, I am a 6-year Navy veteran and a retired Dept. of the Navy (DON) technical expert for our Navy for a total of 34 years serving the fleet.  After a major heart attack practically destroyed my life, I’m Smiling and I’m Lovin’ Life again. I am going to hike 2650 miles, The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), from the Mexican border to the Canadian border starting March 13th this year. I needed to have a goal other than sitting in an easy chair. We all have a path, this is mine. I had a "widow-maker" heart attack in December 2016 and my prognosis was not good. After a year-long battle I improved - I beat the odds. I live 10 miles out of town so had to be resuscitated (defibrillated) a few times before I got the stints put in, then one collapsed! And went thru it all over again.  After this life changing event my life’s direction also changed. Getting my health together has been an ongoing effort.  My cardiologist is well informed as a hiker himself and has given his consent medically. Medical tests all look good now. My wife’s consent was predicated on getting a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) rescue/tracking device. I want to help others like me, those who might need a jump start as I did. Helping other Vet hikers who can’t stay on the trail.  I need help to do both this, and for my hike, so I have chosen GoFundMe as the method. This trip costs more than a simple camping trip, this is a six-month endeavor. I need to raise funds in order to reach my goals, those goals being both personal and hopefully beneficial to other Vets. Some of the items, including the more specialized lightweight items needed to make this journey are: ·       Rescue insurance ·       Personal locator beacon service via satellite ·       Travel health insurance ·       Tent ·       Backpack ·       Sleeping Bag – Suitable for both Hot and Cold ·       Clothing – Regular, Cold Weather, Rain Gear ·       Food, Cooking Gear, Water Storage ·       Resupply logistics (cost of shipping/mailing to pick-up points) ·       Water filtration system (for lakes, streams etc.) ·       High altitude Gear – such as Ice Axe, Hiking Poles, Crampons         (17 Sierra mountain passes range from 8600 to over 14,500 feet) ·       Lodging (trail town breaks) ·       All Gear needs to be as light weight as possible because I will be     carrying it, the lighter the equipment the more expensive it is.   Everyone can help! If you are unable to donate financially, I understand, however, you can spread the word through your networks, and social media by sharing my posts and pages with a personal message from you with only the cost of some time. Put the word out, that there is a Vet trying to stay on the path.   Thanks! Shawn Murray #vetonthepath