100 Mile Wilderness Challenge

Greetings to all!  For today’s entry I’m turning this blog posting over to two longtime family friends, The Hansen’s.  They are declaring a challenge to our readers to support the efforts of Hansel & Gretel on behalf of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA).  Please read on and consider joining their matching fund challenge to support the millions of individuals living with M.S. through a donation to the Jabeccawalk.  

Hansel and Gretel are making their way towards the New Hampshire-Maine line and beyond that their final destination, the peak of Mt Katahdin and the end of the Appalachian Trail.  Between Monson, Maine and the final ascent up the mountain lies the 100 Mile Wilderness.  This section of the trail is known as the toughest and most challenging, both mentally and physically.  Careful preparation is required prior to completing this section of the trail.  Only a few gravel logging roads provide access in emergency and there are no supplies points along the way.  The terrain is rugged and the weather is known to be especially unpredictable in this region.  Their daily mileage will drop off as they begin to ford streams that can bring waist high cold water and some sections of the trail remain excessively muddy from the spring run-offs.  Despite these challenges, hikers still attest to the incredible beauty of this section.  Its remoteness lends to the stillness and pristine woods that make it so unique.  Beyond the Wilderness lies the final climb to Mt Katahdin the highest point in Maine and the end of the A.T.

Over 400,000 people in the United States have multiple sclerosis, and for each one of those individuals, there are family members and friends that are affected by their diagnosis as well. MSAA exists to enrich not only the quality of life for the individual with MS but for everyone who is affected by the disease. By providing direct support and services, MSSA helps to make life easier for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.  

We once hiked Mt Katahdin and are still entranced with its beauty and the memories of the hikers we met that day.  The experience of sharing the trail and their stories are a significant part of our wonderful memories from that day.  This experience and our shared concern for those dealing with the challenges M.S. provide a special connection to the JabeccaWalk and this final section of the trail.

So, we’re putting out a matching fund challenge to our Jabeccawalk community.  We will match your gifts, dollar for dollar up to $500 for every donation made as they make the final trek towards Mt Katahdin.  Your $25 instantly becomes $50.  The larger the donation the more we can give.  Our goal is to turn our $500 into $1000 of support for the MSAA and provide encouragement to Hansel & Gretel during this challenging final portion of their hike.  With Gretel back on the trail once again they are united in strength and commitment but, it won’t be easy. 

Please consider a first-time or additional online donation to their cause on the MSAA/JabeccaWalk page.  Checks payable to MSAA may also be mailed to MSAA, 706 Haddonfield Rd Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.  Please note “JabeccaWalk Wilderness Challenge” on your check. 

We thank you for your generous gift and vote of confidence in JabeccaWalk and their cause to support the MSAA and individuals and families living with M.S.