In the summer of 2025, I hope to unite my biggest dreams and complete the Sierra Nevada portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) with my wife by my side. Conquering portions of the 2600-mile trail, requiring an elevation gain of more than 16 Mount Everest attempts, has broken many barriers in my life. Through overcoming our challenges on the PCT, we hope to empower the lives of the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community.
The interlacing of my passions for supporting the IDD community and backpacking was inspired by my family and will only flourish with family. For 20 years, my mom has held a career in special education. This inspired my brother and me to run a club called “Social Society” at our high school campus, where IDD students had the opportunity to build one-on-one relationships with students in the student government. The program influenced my brother into his profession as a special education teacher, and my endeavors with the Abilities ENG at RSM.
I’m also inspired by my friendship with Anthony, a young adult with Down syndrome who has been a close family friend for the past seven years. He was even a groomsman in my brother’s wedding. Just yesterday, I saw Anthony, and he gave me the biggest hug I’ve had all year. He radiates more joy than anyone I know—and as he would say, he’s on fire!
A major piece of the trail I hope to walk is named after John Muir, who famously said, “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. The mountains are calling and I must go.” In the Summer of 2025, I hope to follow that call and finish what I started alongside my wife to raise money, create awareness, and motivate the IDD community to pursue their passions.
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Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
With your support, Best Buddies helps people with IDD form meaningful connections in the community that allow them to shine.