Life. Four letters, four basic elements. For a word that’s simple and vague, it carries more depth than most. And even if you narrow its scope to just thinking about being human, it still encompasses an abundance of meaning - our physiology, personalities, joys, sorrows, environment, families, friends, experiences, and growth -  just to name a few.

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I think a lot a life. As a healthcare provider in oncology, I see that life is unpredictable, challenging, and moving. For me, when I get overwhelmed by it all, I can almost always find solace in the mountains. They have a melody and rhythm that drowns out the rest of the noise. The outdoors challenge me, humble me, and remind me to enjoy the little moments in life. In a world that is full of problems, injustice, and hardship, my time in the outdoors has taught me not to be disheartened by that and how to find joy while doing the work.

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And as someone that likes to build on my skills and growth, I’ve been ruminating on what my next outdoor objective will be. I decided it is time to pursue an ambition of mine that has been simmering in the background for a while.  Thus, starting in 2023, I plan to embark on a project to climb to the highest point in every state of the contiguous U.S. Knowing that being in new places makes you a more open minded human and as a lifelong traveler, this goal melds a love of exploration, community, hiking, and climbing. 

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However, if I do this project, I don’t want to do it just for me. I want it to mean something. And because I know of the power of the outdoors, I want to use it to raise funds for organizations that help provide resources and opportunities for people to get outside, especially for those where the outdoors are not as readily accessible. For this reason, I’m excited to be combining my highpoint project with raising money for the REI Cooperative Action Fund, which partners with and provides financial support to organizations and initiatives that are making change in the nation’s outdoor culture. It funds local and nationwide non profits that create opportunities for marginalized groups to connect with and reap the benefits of the outdoors. I truly believe that the outdoors builds resilience and I am excited to support organizations that allow people to build this skill set. 

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I look forward to sharing this adventure with everyone and would appreciate any support along the way. So here we go!