For all the hyperbolic headlines and misguided social media posts, the truth is SARS-CoV-2 has shown that a healthcare system based upon employment status and not as a fundamental human right is unsustainable. It has laid bare the failures of such a system and created perverse situations where those tasked to risk exposure as essential workers are also those with limited access to healthcare. But, to paraphrase the sage Mr. Rogers, where there are failures, there are always helpers.

Santa Rosa Community Health has been just such a helper. For years they have provided health services to over 40,000 low-income families and seniors in Sonoma County. This would be considered an heroic undertaking during the before times, but is especially heroic during this ongoing pandemic.

In light of this work, just giving did not seem like enough. I'm participating in the Epic Trail Challenge. I'll be training and preparing for a one day 20 miler hike on Sonoma County trails with my fellow Epic Hikarians to raise money for Santa Rosa Community Health. I'll be putting my sweat, blisters and (maybe even) blood on the line to help reach that goal.

And I'm asking you meet me halfway. That is why I will match every dollar you give up to $1250.