Hi. My name is Jennifer and I have MS. My first steps on the AT were in October 2016. Earlier that year it would have been impossible. My legs had stopped working right. Alone and afraid in a hospital room, reassuring words I’d learned as a kid came to mind: “I will praise You, Lord, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” It was a reminder of the deep capacity for resilience we all have. After myriad tests and MRIs, lesions in my spine and in my brain were found and I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.

I did walk again—first with a walker, then with a cane, and, gradually, without assistance. But the ordeal fueled a powerful need to push back against MS. I did my first long-distance hike— a 76-mile section of the AT through the Smoky Mountains, followed by a thru-hike of Missouri’s 230-mile Ozark Trail in 2020. When I began considering thru hiking the entire AT, I knew what I’d be asking of my body and that to do it, I needed a much bigger ‘why’ than just me. I wanted to raise awareness and funds to fight a disease affecting some 1 million people in the US.

 A ground crew came together and while planning, a friend asked, “Raising funds for a someday cure is great, but how are you going to help the guy, say single dad, just diagnosed, in a wheel chair, how are you going to help that guy, NOW?” FEARSOME is the result of that challenge- a nonprofit providing on-the-ground support to empower those living with chronic, degenerative disease remain as mobile as possible for as long as possible.

A lot has happened since my legs suddenly ‘took a hike.’  In 2023, along with my hiking partner and fellow board member, Dave Tilden, I thru-hiked the AT. I was still hiking in defiance of a disease I must live with, but this time I was hiking for everyone who has MS, or who may have a loved one with MS, as well as for myself. 

That first campaign raised over $30,000, more than $16,000 of which has been through our website. I invite you to come along with me as the journey continues. Follow online, if you (or someone you know) has an autoimmune disease, dedicate a Hike in Honor of that person, help me celebrate stories of resilience by sharing your story. And know that in whatever ways you are facing challenges, you are not alone; you are Fearsome.

Your involvement, encouragement, and support are greatly valued.