This June 2024, our family is embarking on a remarkable journey—to trek the historic pilgrimage route, El Camino de Santiago, in Spain. But this journey isn't just about exploring ancient paths; it's about turning each step into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.

Why do we trek? We trek to support the most vulnerable among us: children affected by cancer. This year, each El Camino de Santiago trekker has pledged to fund a year of life-saving cancer treatment for a child at the Children’s Cancer Unit in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. In our case, our goal is to support three children. While the Tanzanian government covers about 70% of the hospital's funding, the remainder relies on generous donations from organizations like Love Hope Strength. This is so that cancer treatments can be provided at no cost.

We will be trekking to support the Love Hope Strength Foundation. A foundation that holds a special place in our hearts. Last summer, our son had the privilege of meeting the incredible team behind LHS during an event in New York City. He spent time with other trekkers from our Sahara Rocks Event. After that trip, we decided that our next fundraising trek should be one as a family.

Just as we did in our Sahara Rocks trek, we'll be carrying prayer flags on our journey. Each one bears the names of those you wish to honor through your donations. After completing our trek, we'll be sending these flags to those who requested, spreading love and hope across the miles.

We believe that every donation, no matter the size, has the power to create change. That's why we call it "change for change"—because every contribution, big or small, helps make a difference in the fight against cancer. Donating through JustGiving ensures that 100% of your donation goes directly to the charity, making it the most efficient way to support our cause.

The Love, Hope, Strength Foundation, founded in 2008 by Mike Peters of The Alarm and James Chippendale, is dedicated to promoting innovative, music-related outreach and awareness programs for leukemia and cancer sufferers, survivors, and their families. Through their efforts, they raise awareness and recruit potential donors to the organ and bone marrow registers.

Past treks to the Sahara, Everest, Kilimanjaro, Snowdon, and Fuji have funded vital projects in those regions, and through our collective efforts, we've registered over 150,000 individuals to the Bone Marrow Register and found over 3,000 potentially life-saving matches.

Join us on this meaningful journey as we trek El Camino de Santiago, not just for the adventure, but for the hope and strength we can bring to those in need. Together, let's make a difference in the fight against cancer.

With gratitude and love,

One foot in front of the other ....

Stacey, DeAnna, & Christian Cochran