I believe it was Eleanor Roosevelt that said, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”
Climbing mountains scare me!
For years, I’ve been inspired by my friend, Donna Coto, who has climbed Pike’s Peak 12 times in honor of her high school friend who was hit by a drunk driver and now lives with a brain injury. I myself do not know anyone impacted by a brain injury, but, knowing Donna and her friend’s story is inspiring enough. For the past couple of years, I have said I wanted to join her on the mountain but always found a reason not to but mainly because it scared me.
Why does it scare me? I’m afraid of heights, I’m afraid I won’t finish, I’m afraid I’ll be too slow, I’m afraid to let myself or anyone else down…The list goes on and on.
However, after the crazy year that was 2020, I decided none of these fears were valid enough to keep me from trying. So I invited several friends to join me, have been training for months, and have gone on some amazing hikes in preparation for this challenge.
I’m constantly asking myself if I’ve done enough, are my fears going to get the better of me, can I really do this? That nagging little voice!
Regardless, I will show up bright and early the morning of September 11th, the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and channel the strength and spirit of all those brave souls lost and affected 20 years ago, as well as, all of the people and their families affected by brain injury. Just knowing I am capable of overcoming my fears and will go as far as my body will take me without letting my mind get in the way!
Funding is critical for BIAC to continue supporting survivors in our state, which is why I am reaching out to family and friends to share my exciting commitment to participate in the 2021 Pikes Peak Challenge Summit Hike. The Pikes Peak Challenge will test my mental and physical boundaries as I raise money and awareness for those who have suffered an injury to the brain. When I finish, I will have hiked 13 miles and 7,400 vertical feet to the 14, 115 ft Pikes Peak Summit.
To reach my goal, I need your help. Please consider donating to help me reach my fundraising goal of $200. (or more!) Check out my donation page to make a contribution or to learn more about BIAC.
I would love your support, anything helps! 😘
The Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC) is the go-to resource for help and services for survivors of an injury to the brain, their families, and providers.
Survivors of a brain injury must fight through unimaginable mental and physical challenges. There isn’t a cure for brain injuries; they don’t grow back like hair or fade like scars. While no two brain injuries are the same, they do have a few things in common. They are always present and dealing with the effects is a lifelong, day-in-day-out process. They require brain injury survivors to navigate in a brand-new world as they fight to establish a new normal.
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Monica Davidson
$25.00 -
Bern Johnson
$40.00 -
Heather Mroz
$10.00 -
Mike Mroz
$500.00 -
Jeff Hughes
$250.00 -
Marilyn Mroz
$100.00 -
Myrna Dusak
$50.00 -
Matt Wilcoxson
$100.00 -
Matthew Jones
$251.00 -
Nola DeKeyrel
$500.00 -
Chris Dinkler
$100.00 -
Max Rogers
$50.00 -
Tina Wong
$25.00