Mark “Purpose” Waligora – Hike for Mental Health Fundraising Page
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Goal: $2,193.00
$1,085.00 donated
The connection to hiking and mental health is so clear to me. I like the Hike for Mental Health organization’s approach to proving to aid in overall mental health, and the connection with the conservation of hiking trails and education of best practices just warmed my heart. Bonus, that unlike many charity organizations, the donations that they collect actually make it to the hands in need.
Personally, I’ve struggled with depression, anxiety, and fear for many years of my life, hiding it from my family, friends, and loved ones. I was conditioned by society and peers to be the strong one, so I was taught to never let them see you cry, aka suck it up and toughen up. After a few severe panic attacks that started affecting my physical health, and in the end, triggering RA, it was a wake-up call to make a shift and reshape my life to, what I like to say, Be_again. I know what it’s like to not fully experience life, to not be happy, and to live in fear. And while I’m fortunate that I could find my way out, I know that others need help to find that trail of hope.
Please help me to raise $2,193 which is the number of miles that it will take to hike the AT! Just a few dollars from everyone is all that it takes to make a difference in someone’s life… Thanks for donating!
You can read more about my story on my blog @ www.thepurposefulhiker.com , Instagram @thepurposefulhiker, or follow my AT progress along on the journaling site www.trailjournals.com/purpose. Hope to see you up the trail – Purpose
1 in 4 families is affected by mental illness.
HIKE for Mental Health is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded on the vision of a world in which everyone, including those who suffer mental illness, can find the simple joy of living.
Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of those afflicted by mental illness, eliminate the associated stigma, and foster responsible use of wilderness trails.
As an all-volunteer organization, we distribute 100% of contributions raised by our hikes.
- 80% funds scientific research to understand and treat mental illness
- 20% conserves national wilderness trails
Your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the IRS. Thank you for your support.
To learn more, visit hikeformentalhealth.org.
To join a hike click here.
Thanks for donating and you can follow my journey @ trailjournals.com/purpose
A cause very relatable. Good luck with your AT hike!
Have a great time! I hope it is a joyously life enhancing adventure for you!
Happy hiking to all hitting a trail this year! Best of luck to my fellow hikers on the Appalachian Trail in the Class of 2020….and a huge KUDOS to everyone that registers and promotes their hike through Hiking for Mental Health. Just registered my own hike, and rather than donate to myself I wanted to give a boost to all my hiking tramily here in getting up their “donation mountain”. 🙂 Hope to see some of you on the trail, and thanks to all of you for getting behind such an important cause!!! “Cray” 4-4-2020
You’ve got this, Mark! So glad you’re staying positive to help others.