Noah Ballek is a man on a mission. Actually, some… Noah is set to hike the Appalachian Trail this season, but not only does he plan to complete the trail, he also plans to do it in 100 days! As if that wasn’t enough, he also plans to do it as part of a fundraiser for Limbs For Life! Noah Ballek is the man to watch this hiking season!
This article holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.
I met Noah in August 2022. I had never backpacked before and didn’t know where to start. My dad and I decided to sign up for a guided trip. Our guide? The one and only Noah Ballek! He was a fantastic guide, but even more importantly, a fantastic guy. My dad and I kept in touch with him and, despite gaining our own experience (based on the skills Noah shared with us), we followed him west on another trip.
From left to right: Noah, Chris (my dad!), me
Since our first trip, I have fallen head over heels in love with backpacking. Since then, I have hiked over 3,000 miles, including time spent on the Appalachian Trail and the French Trail. I was just a kid when we met, very nervous about backpacking. Concerned about my size, age and role in the group. Noah gave me confidence not only for my first ride but for all trails afterward.
Being now in a position where I can support him (even in the softest way, Noah is incredibly capable) means a lot to me. Helping support their effort with Limbs for Life means even more.
A Quick Bio: Noah Ballek
Noah, known on the trail as the worst-case scenario, is a 29-year-old snowboard instructor and backpacking guide living in Montana. He began his hiking career in 2019 on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail). He was a young man looking for freedom. A similar beginning for much of our community.
While on the PCT, he found freedom but so much more. He learned valuable lessons that many of us discovered along the way. He came out of a world that sought instant gratification and decided to take the long 2,650 mile road. Along this path he found personal growth. He found the joy of unpredictability and change. He learned about the importance of community. A community built on shared experiences, shared struggles, and shared miles. During his time on the PCT, he found a new perspective on life.
He has shared his love of backpacking with hundreds of clients, including my dad and me.
Revitalized motivation
When Noah completed the PCT at the age of 22, he set a goal of having his triple crown by age 30. He is now 29 years old, and although he has spent most summers backpacking, he has yet to complete the AT (Appalachian Trail) or the CDT (Continental Divide Trail).
No more wasting time waiting for a convenient opportunity. Noah is taking control of his life and taking care of himself. Even if self-care seems like traveling 2,200 miles in just 100 days.
Noah has set an incredible goal for himself. Plan to complete the 2,200 miles in 14 states that the Appalachian Trail has to offer, in just over 3 months. It’s crazy to hear, and it would be crazy to say that I have no doubt he can achieve this goal.
Starting April 25, Noah will compete against himself, time and the path to an estimated summit on August 2.
Miles for mobility
If you thought Noah was done, then you would be wrong. Noah has decided to carry something more than his backpack.
Noah has dedicated his walk to helping raise funds for Tips for life.
Tips for life
“Limbs for Life Foundation is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to providing fully functional prosthetic care to people who otherwise cannot afford it and raising awareness about the challenges amputees face” (Limbs for Life).
As a community built on physical ability and challenges, I believe it is our duty to know and support those who struggle with physical challenges.
In the United States, 507 people lose a limb every day. Currently, 2.1 million Americans are living with limb loss.
Limbs for Life partners with prosthetic professionals who donate their time and skills to fit, build, and help people who are uninsured, underinsured, and without access to healthcare. They also accept and redistribute donated prosthetic components and provide resources and referrals to amputees and their families to expand impact.
From the first call to the moment someone takes their first steps again, Limbs for Life supports people physically, emotionally and financially throughout their journey. Its mission is simple but transformative: to provide people with the opportunity to regain their independence through the gift of mobility and confidence to fully participate in life again. Through decades of national clinical partnerships, resource referrals, and parts-sharing initiatives both in the U.S. and internationally, Limbs for Life has brought thousands of people back to health. Notably, 100% of donations go directly to providing prosthetic care, ensuring that every dollar raised helps change a life. More than 30 years later, they continue to follow the guiding vision of their founder: “help them walk, let them work.”
When a person loses a limb, they face unbearable physical, emotional, and financial struggles. If there is something that this community knows how to do, it is supporting others. We often find ourselves helping those around us walk hundreds of miles; This is our chance to help someone take just one step.
As hikers and members of this community, we know that a single step can travel thousands of miles.
Niki Rellón, the Bionic Woman, is an iconic example. Niki is considered one of the most amazing hikers in our community. In 2015, after a canyoneering accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg, he hiked the Appalachian Trail.
Her prosthesis took her to the top of Katahdin.
Noah’s walk. Someone else’s chance to walk.
Noah has found a passion in helping others. From Boy Scouts to guiding, he has been motivated to help others grow in the outdoors.
I asked Noah the question during our interview. Why walk for a charity? Why walk for Limbs for Life?
The simplest shorthand for his answer was that he wanted this walk to be bigger than himself. Growing up in the Boy Scouts, he often did community work and found much satisfaction in the change he was able to make. After promoting the PCT for himself, he decided it’s time to promote the AT for others.
Noah talked about how hiking has changed his life and how it has changed the lives of others. It is a true privilege and blessing that we can have this impact on our own lives. Limbs for Life is Noah’s (and our) opportunity to impact others.
Join the mission
If you are interested in Noah and his missions this summer, I encourage you to follow him.
Noah will be posting about his experience and time during the tour on Instagram. @nc_ballek .
If you are interested in supporting their fundraising with Limbs for Life, you can find the link to their page. here.
The goal of this fundraiser is to raise $3,500. If you are unable to support financially, I ask that you consider supporting by sharing this article or the link above. Exposure is vital for a mission like this.
A below-knee limb costs $2,500 and an above-knee limb costs $3,500. So by raising $3,500, we can guarantee the prosthesis an individual needs.
$3,500 is Noah’s fundraising goal. But I have faith in this community and our unique understanding of bodily autonomy. I have full faith that we can use Noah’s platform to supply more than one member. Change more than just one life.
Let’s support our neighbors once again by helping them go one step further.
I’m looking to start a new passion project where I can work with more hikers like Noah! If you are interested in the opportunity to be interviewed or simply speak, please submit a short survey at this link or send me an email at this address! ((email protected))
My name is Alex Tucker and I am fully involved in this life. If you want to know more about me and my time on the road, you can follow me on Instagram. @nobo.nomad!
