ThyCa News

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail To Raise Awareness and Funds

03/2013

In late April 2013, Jennifer Smart, thyroid cancer survivor, will begin hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to support thyroid cancer awareness and raise funds for ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Jennifer plans to hike an average of 20 miles a day for 4-5 months. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 2,650-mile scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington.

“In 2006, as a newly diagnosed thyroid cancer patient,” Jennifer writes, “ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association was an incredibly valuable resource to me. Whether I was learning about this cancer on their website, attending a conference, or downloading their low-iodine cookbook, ALL of it was FREE.”

In 2009, Jennifer hiked this trail, she writes, “in part, to recover from my thyroid cancer. It was physically and mentally challenging but the toil and fatigue were well worth the joy experienced, friends made and vistas seen.”

“Hiking the PCT was a pivotal moment in my life thatprovided a deep and profound perspective of the world in which we all live. Similarly, being a cancer survivor provides a lens through which life is viewed differently.”

Jennifer is dedicating her 2013 hike to raising thyroid cancer awareness and resources for past, present and future thyroid cancer patients. She seeks donations, and 100% of donations received go to ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc.

Visit Jennifer’s web site Journey Return to learn more about Jennifer, her hike, and how you can support her efforts.

Thank you, Jennifer!