An Update, Thanks, and Next Steps
Kentucky - Mile 900 - Sep 9th, 2015
Dear Friends,
If you're receiving this message via email, it's because you're awesome! You pledged to support the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society by sponsoring me on a per-mile basis on my hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Your financial contributions will be used to support Lyme Disease education, awareness, and research efforts. That's huge!
My hike was spectacular -- filled with awe-inspiring sights and life-changing people. I loved every moment of it, from those spent sweltering on the desert floor to those spent breathless on top of Mount Whitney.
Unfortunately, my hike was cut short by -- you guessed it! -- Lyme Disease. A month or so into my hike, I began to notice signs that a relapse was coming on. I slowed down a bit and ensured I ate and slept well, but, a few weeks later, the Sierra saw the relapse debilitate me. I rested in California (with two amazing trail angels) for a month until I was well enough to fly back to Kentucky, where I spent another month in bed.
My health has improved in the last 10 days, but I have upcoming appointments with a hematologist, a neurologist, and doctors at the Cleveland Clinic in the hopes that some unanswered questions can be solved. In the meantime, I am thankful for the health I do have, the time to be with my family, and the memories I made this summer.
I'm writing you to say "thank you" again and to let you know that the mileage count on HikeFor is final. I hiked 900 miles; if you pledged 1¢ per mile, this is a great time to send ILADS a check (or make a donation online) for $9. I've been touched by those who've declared that they'll be sponsoring in full anyway, regardless of my abbreviated hike, but a pro-rated sponsorship for the 900 miles I did hike would also be deeply appreciated.
Now for the actual nuts and bolts. There are two steps to this procedure: 1) Send a donation to ILADS by mail or online. All the info you'll need is at ILADS.org. 2) Confirm your sponsorship with HikeFor. This seems a little redundant, since HikeFor doesn't accept payment yet, but please declare the amount you've contributed; that way, we can tabulate the donation we've made together.
Again, thank you so very much for your support and encouragement. It was such a privilege to HikeFor the Lyme community with each of you in my heart.
Happy trails, and many thanks,
Kristin
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow Dash
Kentucky - Mile 900 - Sep 9th, 2015