I’m joining Jamie’s team to help raise funds and awareness for the REI Cooperative Action Fund.

As many of you know, my husband, Nick, was a passionate outdoor enthusiast. Sadly, he passed away in March. This past winter, Nick had the opportunity to participate in an adaptive skiing program through one of the REI Fund’s grantee partners in Colorado. He absolutely loved it. It was the happiest I had seen him in a long time, and I know he was deeply grateful for the experience.

That experience reminded me why the REI Cooperative Action Fund’s work matters so much. My hope is that the REI Fund can continue supporting organizations that make the outdoors more accessible and inclusive, so that others can experience the same joy, connection, and sense of possibility that nature gave Nick throughout his life.

Nick and I never got the chance to hike a Colorado fourteener together, even though it was something we always talked about doing. When Jamie began her journey of climbing the highest peaks in the United States, I told her I would join her for Colorado’s highest summit, Mount Elbert. Unfortunately, life took an unexpected turn, and that goal was put on hold.

Now, I’m ready to honor Nick’s love of the outdoors by hiking Mount Elbert with Jamie on Friday, September 11. Through this climb, I hope to celebrate Nick’s legacy while raising awareness for the REI Cooperative Action Fund and its vision of a world where everyone can experience the health and well-being benefits of nature, just as Nick did. 

I am especially excited that my friends Christine and Ashley are coming along. Knowing they'll be there cheering me on gives me the extra encouragement I'll need along the way.

Thank you for supporting this journey and helping create more opportunities for people to find joy, healing, and connection in the outdoors. ❤