During my AT hike in 2017 we raised more than $67.000 for the charities I hiked for.  That was way more than I ever imagined possible (and I’m a huge optimist).

My hike through Spain and Portugal in 2019 raised $37,000 for these same charities.

Your support was overwhelming and I know your contributions make a difference to these charities.  Let’s do it one more time!

I will be biking from Seattle to Key West in support of the same 3 charities as  before (Sun Dial Manor, K’9s for Warriors and the Down Syndrome Program at Boston Children’s Hospital). You have the opportunity to support these great organizations along with me. For more information on donating, check out the pledge page.

Sun Dial Manor 

Sun Dial is a not-for-profit skilled nursing home offering short and long term care to individuals of all ages. This facility is located in my hometown of Bristol, SD and is very close to my heart as my grandmother, aunt, friends, parents of friends, etc. have spent their last days here. I will probably be there some day too!

Your contributions will got to Sprucing Sun Dial, a plan to to spruce up the outside of Sun Dial. The dream is to have an area where families can visit, outdoor activities can be held, residents can dig in the dirt, plant and watch it grow.  You will be helping ensure that the residents have a beautiful place where they can relax and enjoy themselves. 

K9s for Warriors

K9s for Warriors is based in the community we currently reside, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. The majority of their canines are rescued from shelters and trained at their facility to become certified service dogs for warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress disability as a result of military service post-9/11. Veterans and puppies….how can you resist!

Your donations in 2017 were enough for us to sponsor a Warrior (Adam) and a K9 (Blaze).  We were able to meet Blaze and Adam at their graduation ceremony.  It was very emotional and you should know that your donations have helped Adam and his family more than I can tell you.

We are currently still on a waiting list for our next dog, Cami, from the Camino hike.

I’m really hoping to be able to do this again.

Down Syndrome Program at Boston Children’s Hospital

This program is one of the oldest and largest of its kind, offering multidisciplinary health care for people with Down syndrome from birth until they reach age 22.  It is more than a clinic, however, they provide resources, advocacy, and supports to all families.

Mae, is the daughter of friends of ours and was the inspiration for this charity.  Since then, I’ve become much more aware of the prevalence of Down Syndrome.  Virtually everyone I know has had a family member or friend touched by DS.

Mae and her family have established Mae’s Market at Boston Children’s Hospital Down Syndrome Program.  Your donations played a role in the development of this resource center where families can get developmental, therapeutic and educational tools for their children free of charge.  As so eloquently put by Mae’s brother, Drew, Mae’s Market is here “to make the world a more special place”.

Your contributions will go to helping Mae’s Market become an important resource for the entire Developmental Medicine program at Boston Children’s Hospital.