MD Trek: The People

When I first showed up at the meeting spot before heading to Deep Creek Lake, just about everyone there was a total stranger. It didn’t take long though before we started getting to know each other, listening to each others’ stories, and learning why they were doing this. These people made the trek what it was. Everyone had their struggles and everyone had their strengths and we all were able to help each other through this immense challenge. And watching everyone power through and get past their difficulties was quite inspiring.

Let’s start with David. David who had knee surgery less than a year ago and was still experiencing discomfort. He was determined to complete the miles, even when in pain. When he could not do the walking park he jumped on the bike and rode those miles, often trying to get traffic to slow down for the walkers, along the busy, curvy street. There were several times he doubted he could continue but he didn’t quit. Beth was who I wished I could have been. Also terrified on the bike she didn’t let that stop her from riding the treacherous mountain roads. She faced her fears head-on and kicked ass. She also used her strength to run up hills and mountains, leaving others in the dust. Jacki exhibited a quiet strength, looking like she was just out on a Sunday stroll, while Kenny was more vocal, ensuring everyone it was a “piece of cake” and being sure to encourage those he knew were struggling. Michael with his grit and determination did not let his struggles stop him and was always ready with a song to pass the time and a kind word for those who needed it. Stealthy Mark could sneak up on anyone and could make you laugh with his deadpan humor. He’s also just a little bit competitive, but good naturedly. And Justin. Who started the whole thing. Who would never leave a single word unsaid to promote his cause. He started the trek alone 10 years ago and now he has an amazing team of trekkers and support crew that return year after year. He kept everyone going and I would bet on him in a scuffle. The attention he brings to childhood cancer is important and highlighting the children and their families puts faces to the disease, making it personal. (sounds like we were some ragtag version of The Breakfast Club).

We were more than just a group of people walking and cycling across the state. The support crew are essential and I would dare to say they have the harder job. We just had to walk or ride. No thinking, no logistics, just move. The support crew, they had countless tasks to take care of to make sure we were hydrated and fed and had all the supplies we needed. Loading and unloading, lifting, filling bottles, replenishing the supplies, putting on band aids, making sure no one got dead, and being at all the stops. Their days were long and yet they managed to stay upbeat and encouraging, helping us power through. There was Anna who allowed us to trash her van with sweaty, smelly clothes, food wrappers, trekking poles, and all sorts of other detritus. She drove us to the start points and from the end points, and even drove some of us home after the trek ended. She took no shit and made sure to keep things moving. Without her we might still be at a rest stop. Sharon aka Shabay. There is no way to describe her energy. If only it could be bottled. I will be forever grateful to Sharon for making sure I took the chance to fly when I needed it. Cathi I think had one of the best roles. She is the family liaison and is fortunate to get to spend time with the families we honor. And Val making sure we were fed and had rooms to sleep in. I can’t forget Larry who is the calm balance to the frenetic energy. Even-keeled and patient, Larry makes sure everyone knows where they are going (though there was a sketchy pin to Anna when I was riding with her, leading us down some private dead-end drive with no trespassing signs), what time they have to be there, and whether we are on or off schedule. He is the luggage and bike loader/unloader and makes sure to keep everything moving. And ironically he kept Justin apprised of the weather.

I spent a good amount of time with the media team when the others were biking and we had a lot of laughs. Bryna who would do anything for the shot, including getting shoved into a squall, trying to boost the social media presence. She was careful to capture the emotions of the day or story, but not be intrusive. She also is making the golf ball cannon at our golf tournament possible. Katrina who has no fear when trying to make things happen such as closing roads and stopping traffic, but is sensitive enough to remove a dead cat from the street. And Jeff who stayed up late editing the videos and was ready early the next day to do it all again. He also will do anything for the shot, like staying out when the apocalypse is approaching . Jeff is a sponsor for our golf tournament and is going to make a video for Ari’s Bears and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with. I know it will be incredible.

Shannon worked behind the scenes for the kids trek and much, much, more , while continuing to treat the children they serve. Her relationships with the families and children is truly something special. I know this because I witnessed it with Ariella. Ariella loved Shannon and Justin and even texted Shannon a few times. Shannon made it a point to be with Ariella when Ariella died. Watching anyone die is heartbreaking. Watching a child die is excruciating. Someone who chooses to be there is exceptional.

None of these words really fully capture the essence of these people and the connections we made. But the trek wasn’t just about us or Ariella or raising money. It was also about having this experience with others, becoming a family, sharing the struggles and the triumphs. Having someone else understand what we are going through. Whatever happens moving forward we will always have this to tie us together.