Preparing for your first walk Doubts, fears, worries… how do you

Scopes DeGeorge Biography

Hey, hey! In 2004, I was diagnosed with severe Crohn’s disease. I thought, ‘Okay, perfect, how do I get rid of it?’ It took me 2 years to learn about it, live with it and try to deal with it mentally. Then the doctors told me I had systemic lupus. Excellent. Perfect. More learning. So…the doctors told me I had a mixed connective tissue disease. At the time, I told my doctors that they were making things up sshhhh. Here I was with 3 autoimmune diseases. For 16 years there were many ups and downs. A super horrible flare up led me to surgery… I started losing my insides! The best thing I can do is keep my head up, look forward, stay positive and KEEP GOING! Look where you’re going, not where you’ve been. With all that being said, I’m going to dig in and try my first hike and I’m so excited! Uh, one more thing…in 4 weeks I’m having my left knee replaced and will begin my journey on the AT. I have this. My goal is the end of May. My fellow hikers, be safe, have fun, and make as many memories. Keep your head up and look forward. Sometimes… your eyes may sweat and you will doubt yourself. You got it!!!! I hope to meet you on the way! Oh, one more thing…don’t complain or complain. Work through ‘it’. You will be stronger. It could always be worse!