Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

We hear the stories, read the headlines, shake our heads at the statistics. Often wondering - I wish there was something I could do.  Mental illness touches 1 in 5 persons.  What can I do to for them?  First of all - I can be sympathetic.  I can be empathetic. I can be empowered.

When I first learned of the Andean Volcanoes Challenge I thought about what it would do for me. What I would get out of it.  Then I realized the perspective I would gain. Not only from the height - Mt. Cotopaxi is 19,000 ft. above sea level, after all; but for what it means to struggle through each step when at times all you want to do is quit. A reminder that I'm not alone - there will be a team of us committed to get each person there and back safely.  Gratitude for my physical and mental health -and how I can use my "strengths" to support another when they are weak. I will understand humility and the importance of knowing I will need to rely on someone else to get me through that moment.

It is my hope that this Trek will bring awareness of the needs of and financial support to those who rely on the services of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  My goal is to raise $1,000 for NAMI.  To impact 50 persons to donate $20 or 20 persons to donate $50. 

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