Story
Why Walk 500 Miles and then 500 More?
In 2018, I was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare bleeding disorder. ITP is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys the body’s platelets, which are the cells needed to form blood clots. It has been a long road to stability for me with many medical interventions. Since there is no known cure, I will always have to manage having ITP.
For many years, I have dreamed of completing a long-distance backpacking route. I want to use my 1000-mile journey to raise awareness about ITP and encourage others who have this diagnosis that it is still possible to live an active, adventurous life.
The Route
My planned route is 500 miles and 500 more along the Pacific Crest Trail, traversing the Sierra Nevada range in California and the Cascade Range in Washington. If I reach my goal, I will finish my journey at the Canadian border. It is not going to be easy! But even if I don’t finish, it’s more important to me that I tried.
How You Can Support People with ITP:
Donate to this fundraiser for PDSA, which funds ITP research and college scholarships for young adults with ITP
You can also donate directly to PDSA rather than going through this Just Giving page.
Donate blood (particularly platelets and plasma)
Share this fundraiser on social media to raise awareness!