About Me

After battling Aplastic Anemia and being told I was in remission seven years later, I did what I had to do... I responded to my new lease on life by embarking on a BIG adventure... and doing my favorite thing in existence -- backpacking. I backpacked across America (on the American Discovery Trail) in 2006 with my mom at my side, literally every step of the way. My dad and husband were there, too, but as the at-home support team. During the journey, we raised funds for the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, spread awareness for these little-known diseases, and gave hope to other patients and families. Talk about a rewarding experience! I will never be able to match such a journey for so many reasons.

Since that big hike, I find myself constantly craving my next adventure, even if I don't know what it is. My favorite thing to do is backpacking, so that's most of what you might read about here in my blog. I also enjoy partaking in adventures that will push me beyond what I initially think my boundaries are. If I tell myself, "I don't know if I could do that," I often find myself wanting to try it. Proving this point, my toughest accomplishment thus far is probably the Frozen Otter. I was proud to have become the 4th person to ever finish the course! It's a 64-mile, self-supported, foot-power-only trek through some difficult terrain in Wisconsin... in the heart of a frozen winter, overnight. It took me just around 22 hours, but I did it.

I'm also a runner, a kayaker, a hiker, a Christian, a workout-addict, and part of a couple awesome groups of friends. I like to blog about all kinds of different things, and I love sharing those memories in pictures, too. I don't have the best memory, so I always try to journal -- it's the best way for me to look back and relive all the special moments... and if someone else reads it and enjoys it, then that makes it even more sweet! I hope you enjoy reading my story and my entries!

Standing on top of a mountain on the ADT in 2006. Contemplating life and how lucky I am to be here.

Me and mom at one of our annual "Our Hike" fundraisers... after we returned from the BIG hike in 2006.

My loving husband, Adam. My rock, my stability and my very best friend in the whole world.

Me and my dad being silly. It's how we roll.

Me and Adam on our best vacation ever, standing at the bottom of Lower Falls in Yellowstone National Park.

During a fall hike in the Porcupine Mountains in Upper Michigan.

One of the BEST backpacking trips ever. Beartooth Mountains in Montana with some of my favorite backpacking buddies.

After my first marathon (probably will be my only one because I had such an amazing experience!) A VERY proud moment for me! Finished in JUST under 4 hours. :)

My best hiking buddy, Rachel.