Sleeping Giants
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Goal: $2,500.00
$3,030.00 donated
In 2020 Shawn and Casey had been planning a week-long trip that would be the longest and most physically challenging hike that either one had been on. Unfortunately in February 2020 Shawn committed suicide. Shawn enjoyed adventure but we were only able to share one adventure together, and that trip will live with me forever.
I decided that I must complete the trip, as he would want me to. I set out with my dog in tow, and adventure in my heart, taking pictures of the landscape while holding a photo of Shawn, as if he were there enjoying it with me.
One evening I made camp in an unscheduled spot when a tall, lanky gentleman came sauntering down the trail. We chatted for a bit, we exchanged names (Mat was his) then bid farewell as he headed off to see if another tent site down the trail would work for him. A half hour later he came back, expressing that those sites would not work, and if he could set up camp next to me. During our chat we found out that we lived in the same area, and exchanged phone numbers.
How Mat and I met certainly has not been lost on us, and is cherished between the two of us. We are now best friends and adventure buddies, so of course we are doing this together!
Shawn isn’t the first and will not be the last who has been in my life and suffered from mental illness, and most likely you have someone in your life who is or has suffered.
Shawn’s last lesson for me was profound. When you love someone, you do whatever it takes to be with them. Do not let life get in your way. Everyone has a number, and you never know when that number will arrive.
What we are doing
Mat and Casey will be hiking from Mt St Helens, over to Mt Adams through the Goat Rocks, and ultimately end at the base of Mt Rainier. This trip is 152 miles long and we will complete it in 7 days. That means we will be hiking an average of 21.71 miles each day!
As far as we can tell, we will be the first to do this route and document it.
We are not athletes, and this trip will be very strenuous and intense which makes us both very nervous. However, if people must suffer through mental illness for a period of time, or lifelong then the least that we can do is suffer for 7 days. LET’S DO THIS!
Follow our Journey
Follow along with us via our Facebook page or our website.
www.chasingthealpenglow.com
www.facebook.com/PNWSleepingGiants
#WhatIsSleepingGiants
Take Action
You can help by donating and sharing our campaign, social information and website with others. Please spread the word far and wide.
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Where the money goes when donated to Hike for Mental Health
“Eighty percent of the hike donations provide grants that enable scientific research and fund programs aimed at alleviating suffering from mental illness. Every week, science yields a better understanding of and better treatments for mental illnesses. So much progress has been made. And yet, the work is not done while so many people and families still battle the diseases and the stigma. We work through the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation and their outstanding NARSAD grants program as well as through our own programs to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Twenty percent of the hike donations support preservation of wilderness trails. It is our way of giving back to the people and organizations that make it possible for all of us to enjoy our time on wilderness trails. We partner with well-established trail maintenance organizations, such as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Pacific Crest Trail Association, to ensure the funds are spent responsibly.”
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.
Sounds like an amazing adventure and I can’t wait to see your pictures from your hike.
Thank you for sharing your “why” – what an amazing adventure this will be and for such a wonderful cause.
Great cause!
I am so proud of my son and Casey for doing this. Have fun and be safe.
So proud of my son and his friend Casey. Have fun and be safe.
I’m so proud of you Mat! You are amazing! Such a worthy cause you and your friend are doing this for. Good luck 👍 love 💕
Terribly sorry about your friend’s passing. What you are doing speaks volumes and I want to support your journey!
What a lovely tribute, best of luck on your adventure!
We are donating so that no one has to lose a family member to suicide. We did and we miss my cousin, David.
I hope Matt remembers all that I taught him on our 4 day hiking, canoe and kayak adventure in Florida- lol. Whether you complete this in 7 days or 14 days this would be a monumental accomplishment and should provide you with a confidence that you can overcome any of life’s challenges. Wishing you both a successful and safe hiking adventure.
Awesome project and cause.
Don’t stop til ur at the top my friend!!! ✌️💚🍻🙂
I am so proud of my son Mathew for doing this awesome hike and doing it for such a worthy cause! God bless you all for your efforts! So sorry about your buddy Shawn!
So proud of Mathew for taking this journey & making it for such a worthy cause! Have a great time! You’re a beast!!! 😘😊😉
Together we go further, walk with you spiritually.
I think it’s really important to bring more visibility and remove the stigma from openly discussing mental health. Thank you for sharing your story and best of luck on this hike!
So proud of what you’re doing Mathew! It’s a great cause! So, so sorry about your buddy Shawn. 😪 Praying for a safe & fun journey!!! Can’t wait to watch your daily posts! Love you!!!
With love, enjoy your adventure!
Hiking is a great accomplishment. Come hike in the islands bro!
Matthew,
Your father would be so proud of you.
Good luck Casey and Mat! Can’t wait to follow your trip.
In loving memory of Meg Tripp- Gadler. You are missed.
For your friend Shawn, and all of those suffering in silence ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for raising awareness, mental should be a top priority!
Live for more then yourself and you are truly living. Happy to be a part of this journey.
Thank you for doing this journey. Mental health is an illness. And as stated one in every four family members has the illness. We are sorry to know that Shawn made the wrong decision on this path. Great way to honor his life
So proud of you guys!!
Great job!!!