Hiking for Healing, a safe environment where women can FIND whatever their new normal is again
About Our Founder
Dophin Riggs founded Hiking for Healing because she believes in the healing power of nature, laughter, and inspiration. As a breast cancer survivor, her motivation to transition to a "New Normal" is based on the wisdom and knowledge she gains while hiking the trails. Her survival lessons, increased self-confidence, and the strength and courage to trust and accept the support of others while out walking the trails give her strength.
She learned countless lessons while hiking the trails.
Regularly leads hiking events.
Regularly conducts hiking clinics.
Our Purpose
Nature can incredibly empower us to change and influence how we live our lives.
Those battling cancer or those impacted by physical illness or severe medical conditions are often bound to a journey of rediscovering how to adapt to life-altering changes. Whatever the treatment, whether for cancer or something else, it impacts each person differently. Family and friends usually struggle to understand what their loved ones are experiencing emotionally and physically. We at Hiking for Healing want to combat the struggles these women face. We want to make sure that women working through these conditions have the opportunity to find strength, security, and confidence by experiencing the positive healing effects of nature, exercise, and laughter.
HIKING FOR HEALING is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code.
HIKING FOR HEALING's primary purpose is to support women who have survived or are going through medical treatment following a cancer diagnosis by engaging them in educational outdoor hiking or similar activities. The organization also welcomes women who have battled other medical conditions and believe that hiking has an immeasurable healing effect on both the body and the spirit.
We achieve this through the trails. One of the greatest joys and blessings derived from trail time and experience is the magical healing energy of the mountains, the lessons of survival, the confidence of depending upon oneself, and the strength and courage to trust and ACCEPT the SUPPORT of others.
Yes, hiking can be strenuous, sometimes dangerous, and treacherous. The terrain can be rocky and slippery, perhaps knee-deep in snow. The weather can be blistering hot, extremely cold, rainy, snowy, or stormy. Still looking back at the mountains we just hiked, the feeling of accomplishment is unmatched by anything else!
Our Mission
Our Story
Participant Experiences
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![Four people standing outdoors in a yard, smiling, with a house and trees in the background. A colorful sign spelling 'GIRL CURL' is hanging above them.]()
“Hiking for Healing brings beauty and healing properites of nature into our lives with a dose of fun”
Ann Rita
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![Close-up of an elderly woman with light-colored hair and glasses, smiling outdoors with a mountainous landscape and water body in the background.]()
“When I was new to the group, it was so welcoming. The events are fun, full of laughter, and kindness”
Cheryl Riggen
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![A close-up of a sleeping dog with a black and white coat, lying on a bed with patterned sheets.]()
“I recently had my second adventure with Dolphin & Hiking for Healing. It did not disappoint.”
Alissa
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![Close-up of a young woman with brown hair, blue eyes, and a slight smile, outdoors with rocks in the background.]()
“Thank you so much, I can't wait until next time.”
Nina G
Meet the Team
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![An elderly woman smiling with a scruffy tan and white dog with large ears in a store aisle lined with jars of paint in the background.]()
Dolphin Riggs
FOUNDER & CEO
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![A woman with blonde hair wearing a purple jacket and pink shirt outdoors among leafless trees.]()
Christine Horwege
PRESIDENT
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![A middle-aged man with a slight smile, wearing a blue Columbia outdoor shirt, standing in front of a red brick wall.]()
Philip Womack
VICE PRESIDENT
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![A person smiling outdoors with mountains and a lake in the background, wearing glasses and a light pink jacket.]()
Cheryl Riggen
TREASURER & TECHNOLOGY
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![Woman smiling outdoors wearing sunglasses, a knitted beanie, and a beige turtleneck in a natural setting.]()
Emily Miller
SECRETARY
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![Smiling man in a suit and tie, outdoors with green leafy background.]()
John Forgerty
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
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![A smiling middle-aged woman with short brown hair, wearing a floral patterned blouse, against a blue background.]()
Stephanie Gose
EVENT COORDINATOR
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![Smiling woman with short, asymmetrical white and light blue hair, holding a white umbrella with gold lettering, outdoors in a green park with trees and houses in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.]()
Melanie Miller
EVENT COORDINATOR
Contact us
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