In August 2010, I signed up for a fund raising event that would become a huge part of my daily activity for a year, and change my life forever. The objective was to complete a 43 km trek across the Inca Trail in Peru, which would lead our team to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Upon signing up for this adventure, I committed to raising $7,600 for the Arthritis Society Manitoba/Nunavut Division and dedicated the trek to my hero, my Baba. Arthritis affects so many people and after a lifetime of watching my Baba struggle with symptoms, I was thrilled for the opportunity to participate in this amazing adventure that would ultimately raise money for research towards a cure.
On August 9th, 2011 our group of 38 team members from across Canada reached the gate of Machu Picchu after three days of slowly hiking our way across the Inca Trail. Our journey consisted of five to eight hours of rigorous hiking with short breaks for snacks and meals. Nights were spent in tents at various campsites along the trail. The terrain we faced went from narrow sandy trails, jutting rock stairways to bramble covered jungle walkways. There were many tricky spots and steep pathways threaded along cliff edges. The second day was the most difficult and challenged everyone not only physically but mentally as well. We started early in the morning at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level and hiked up an incline to reach the summit of Deadwoman’s Pass, which was at an altitude of 4200 meters above sea level.
I feel very privileged to have been able to participate in and successfully complete this event. I have met spectacular people and have helped to raise money and awareness for a great cause.