On June 25, 2018, we (Katie Kavanaugh and Julie Pourtois) will start what will most certainly be an incredible journey on the Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT is 2,650 miles of breathtaking single track trail, connecting the Mexican border to the Canadian border. It climbs and descends through the states of California, Oregon, and Washington states, crossing some of the hottest desert and highest mountainous terrain in the continental United States. As roommates at Princeton University, dreaming about and planning for this post graduation adventure together has propelled us through highs and lows of our college careers and solidified our wonderful friendship. While hiking this trail will be an intensely personal journey for both of us, we also wish to use this opportunity to bring awareness to an organization that has been invaluable in shaping our time at Princeton.
Through the Princeton University Outdoor Action program we have had the privilege of organizing and taking part in Peak Potential sessions at the OA climbing wall. Peak Potential is a volunteer run non-profit organization that helps kids with disabilities learn how to rock climb. The dedicated work of Peak Potential volunteers allows kids to experience a sport that they normally would not have a chance to participate in and reach new heights in both their athletic and personal development. Overall this organization allows both kids and volunteers to take part in a transformational experience within an amazing community centered around inclusivity, perseverance, and fun. Working with this amazing organization at Princeton provided me with memories, relationships, and a sense of fulfillment that I will continue to cherish long after graduation has passed.
For each mile we hike, we would like to raise $1 to help support Peak Potential programming. Through generous donations and the dedication of Peak Potential members, the program remains free and open to any child who has a physical disability and would like to try a sport where his/her condition does not exclude participation. With this fundraising campaign, we would like to help keep it that way! Each step we take along the PCT will blaze the way for future young climbers and adventurers to get their start with Peak Potential . Thank you for your support!
-Katie and Julie
