AT Thru Hike class of ’26

I have wanted to walk the trail for as long as I can remember.

As winter progresses, preparations are underway. I’m marking my team. Physical and mental preparation is a work in progress. I’m struggling to save money, but everything is going well. I have announced my plans to family, friends, coworkers, and my boss. And now, after raising two amazing human beings, married for 25 years to an amazing and supportive and still strong husband, farming and homeschooling said amazing kids, and battling a very complex chronic illness, it’s time! I’m done hiking the AT!

What was stopping me? ME

I was stopping. I got sick. Very sick. It was right after I had my second son, who is now 19 years old. I remember feeling lethargic most of the time. A few months later I got the flu and never fully recovered. So, I just decided to think that this was the new normal. That was until I started having severe digestive problems, followed by 5 surgeries. This intense, tingling pain in my arms and legs afflicted me shortly after the first surgery. My energy completely skyrocketed. As a result, it took me ridiculous effort to just get out of bed. Holy shit! What was happening?

The search for answers

After a multitude of specialists, a ton of treatment trials, and a total of 7 surgeries due to complications from the primary disease, I was given the diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME. It can affect every system in the body, including nerves, cognitive function, energy levels, vision, balance… blah blah blah. Simply put, it sucks!

Sweet Relief

After seeing all of those specialists, my primary care doctor offered me a trial of a medication that is used off-label for many chronically ill patients with decent anecdotal results. Since taking this medication, incorporating gentle pilates, practicing trauma-informed yoga, and making dietary changes into my daily routine, I feel human again! As a result, my energy level and stamina increase greatly, my pain is much more manageable, and my dietary issues improve. I still have all the miserable symptoms from before. I will always be sick because there is no cure. My energy is not what I want it to be. And yes, as I increase my activity, effort, stimulation, and stress, it can cause a flare-up. But my symptoms are much duller and I tolerate them much better.

IT WON’T STOP ME from living my best life!

The countdown

The countdown is on! Thanks to the support of my family and the research that both my doctor and I have done to find a treatment plan that allows me to be present in life, I am embarking on this incredible journey. As my start date approaches, the anticipation and excitement are almost unbearable.

Thoughts of all the necessary preparations, imagining what the trail will be like, the excitement of taking that first step, the sad feelings of leaving my family behind, and the anxiety of post-trail acclimatization consume me. Most of all, excitement, gratitude, and joy at having the opportunity to cross AT off my bucket list.

I welcome anyone who lives with or knows someone who ME has any other chronic illness to follow and share my journey.

happy walk

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