The vision was sparked six years ago, when I was hiking a (quite steep) section of the Colorado Trail with my dad and two friends. At the time, it was one of the more challenging experiences I had endeavored. I admit there were times of fatigue and ache when I questioned why I willfully put my body through such adversity. But with each step, a deep determination came alive and I began to realize my own potential while falling deeper in love with my home state.

There was only one thing missing:  my mommy.

Although both my parents are genuine outdoor enthusiasts, twenty years prior, my mother had been diagnosed with the debilitating disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and over the years, she has become progressively more limited in her physical abilities. Journeying off the beaten path without my mother has been quite difficult, but to my mom, her disability was all the more reason to encourage my own wilderness exploration.

Regardless of physical limitations, my mother chooses to live to the fullest, seeking out opportunities that accommodate her needs, such as sit skiing and backcountry horseback riding! Her enthusiasm for life is my inspiration!

I am hiking the Colorado Trail as a tribute to my mother and the 2.5 million others who battle with Multiple Sclerosis.