The idea of the “Big Hike” was mainly conceived to motivate others with MS and bring public awareness to the numerous individuals who are living with MS today. The “Big Hike” is 817 miles through the Arizona Trail, across the entire state from the border of Utah with Arizona to the border of Mexico. We are also hoping to raise $10,000 in support of the programs and services MSAA provides to the MS community.

I am very excited, nervous and passionate about this hike. I have never done anything that is so important and personal.  It will be a long journey through some desolate and rugged terrain during some of the hottest times of the year. This is an area inhabited by snakes, mountain lions and bears to name a few.  And hopefully, we will not have any experiences with any of these wonderful creatures.

Hiking is something that I love to do, and for me, an effective way of getting our message of hope to the 400,000 people in the United States that have MS.

We are all unique in our passions, hopes and aspirations.  My “Big Hike” is meant to inspire courage and resiliency in others.  Sometimes that means redirecting our goals to support our potential. To me, this journey I am taking is just as brave and honorable.