#SarahTakesAHike
If you know Sarah Lucas you know her as cheerful, happy, vibrant and full of energy. But there was a time in Sarah’s life she wasn’t this way. A few years ago Sarah was looking to retire from an 18-year Army career and while she was excited about her new chapter, she was internally struggling. She couldn’t sleep, was depressed, in extreme amounts of pain and taking upwards of 10 different medications at one time. Steve, her husband who is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD Tech) for Marine Corps. was familiar with Boot Campaign’s Health and Wellness program and reached out to see how the program could help his wife.
“I would have never asked for help,” says Sarah. “There are more veterans out there that need it, way more than me.” That is a common sentiment we hear at Boot Campaign, but after listening to staff and her husband Steve, she joined the program.
During her first assessment through the program, Sarah could not stand for more than five minutes, or walk a mile and when asked about her goals, she went for it! She shared that she loved the outdoors, loved hiking and wanted to walk the Appalachian Trail. Yep – she wanted to hike a trail that is 2,180 miles and spans over 14 states. This didn’t come to anyone’s surprise given her spirit and attitude, so Sarah began her journey.
Fast forward a few years later to July 4th, 2019 when #SarahTakesAHike and plans to conquer the Colorado Rockies on the Colorado Trail for 40 consecutive days and 486-miles from Denver to Durango, Colorado. “I have learned so much about myself, my body and my mind, shared Sarah. Life isn’t easy and I have lost a lot, but I’m constantly learning who I am. I have a lot to live for.”
She will not journey alone though. With each step she takes, she will honor and remember the countless friends, colleagues and family members she has lost. Sarah shared, “My experience through the Boot Campaign pipeline was a gift that I won’t take for granted. I want other veterans to do what I couldn’t do on my own; reach out and ask for help. That’s why I’m hiking.” Sarah is excited to listen to the wilderness, challenge herself and see if she can meet her own expectations. With the help and support of her husband Steve; some safety equipment (a sat phone, satellite garmen with SOS capabilities, solar panel with a power jack, a neck knife, bear spray, a whistle and an abundance of dry food) Sarah is ready to conquer her fears thru a 486-mile hike.
Please follow #SarahTakesAHike on Facebook & Instagram to get updates, stay connected to her journey and donate by clicking here.
