The past 11 years of my life have seen a lot of changes…all of which have led me to the journey in front of me. Here is a bit of my story:

The year of 2006 brought me to Seattle working at Chicken Soup Brigade, an organization that helps folks living with chronic illnesses access life-saving nutritious meals and groceries. During my experience packing fresh produce and wholesome protein items into client’s bags and delivering the delicious meals directly to the doors of homebound clients, I quickly realized that Chicken Soup Brigade was not just an ordinary food bank; they believed that food was medicine, and healthy food could help individuals manage their illness, lessen side effects from medications, and live more productive lives. CSB goes the extra mile to make sure every person served gets the food that is best for them.

Fast forward five years to 2011—I completed a 2600+ mile journey from Mexico to Canada along the Pacific Crest Trail. It was a physical and mental challenge unlike anything I had ever done before – my longest previous backpacking had been 30 miles over 2 nights. The trail gave me a passion for the ever decreasing wild spaces in the world. During the 4.5 months I pushed my body and mind the extra mile and in the process joined a community of amazing like-minded people who have become my dearest friends. Yet, as I think back on the experience I can’t help but feel pangs of guilt that it was a self-serving experience. I bettered myself, but how did my hike better the world?

With these two experiences in my mind, I set out to merge my passion for Chicken Soup Brigade’s mission and love of hiking. This spring I am blessed with the opportunity to spend 9 weeks hiking through Utah and Arizona along the Hayduke Trail. This “trail” winds its way along the Colorado Plateau from Arches National Park to Zion National Park via the Grand Canyon. Much of the way will be cross country through a desert landscape. Water, food, and people will be scarce. The wilderness will be beautiful, but it is the thought of raising money for Chicken Soup Brigade – of helping an organization that betters the world – that keeps me moving.