April is the anniversary (8th year) of H4H. I have scheduled the first hike for 2025 for April 5. Katie Inman, WBIR-TV, the first person to interview me back in 2017, will be with us on the hike. The hikers will be able to participate in our interview. Then, our roles switch, and I will interview Katie (for my virtual podcast) as a caregiver for her dad through 2 rounds of cancer. All too often, the emotional trauma to the caregiver goes overlooked and perhaps untreated. That's why we include caregivers in our hiking and resilience programs. 

Rob Sanders will also be hiking with us. He and his team rebuilt, restored, and preserved all the old historic structures in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We will hike and search for clues on a scavenger hunt through Daisy Town in Elkmont, where that era of Smoky Mountain history began. 

We, as cancer survivors, have to take that first step and make our biggest commitment to fight. We never quit when we want to quit! As Rob did for Daisy Town, we must tear down our "old walls and build and preserve our new beginning," our new normal.

On April 5, 2025, we are hosting a special hiking event exclusively for women who are battling cancer, physical illness, or severe medical conditions. We believe in nature's empowering influence on our lives.

Life-altering health conditions often set us on a journey of rediscovery and adaptation. Treatments, whether for cancer or other conditions, can impact each person differently, and it can be challenging for family and friends to fully understand the emotional and physical experiences of their loved ones.

At Hiking for Healing, we aim to ease these struggles. We want to ensure that women navigating these health challenges have the opportunity to find strength, security, and confidence. Through the healing power of nature, the benefits of exercise, and the joy of laughter, we hope to provide a supportive and uplifting experience.

• We will experience the Historic Daisytown in Elkmont and hike the Little River Trail.
• The beginning time will be around 11:00 a.m. However, registrants will receive an email confirmation of this time.
• The logistics for this hike will be sent in a separate email to all who register for the event. This is done for the following reasons: 
  • The park's parking lots often lack space. Depending on the group size, we may meet where there is enough parking and carpool to the trailhead. 
  • To protect everyone's safety, your name must be on the registration list for participation. 
• Dolphin, the Trail Guide, monitors the weather and will cancel the event if necessary. She will email those who have registered with updated information.

We warmly invite you to join us at the Little River Trading Company following the Elkmont Little River hike. This part of the event is optional, but we highly recommend it! We're thrilled Little River Trading Co. is hosting a presentation and book signing by Richard Harris, an accomplished hiker, speaker, and author. His latest book, 'Great Hike and Backpack Trips near Tellico Plains, TN,' is sure to inspire your next adventure. Don't miss this opportunity to meet Richard and learn from his experiences!

Location: Little River Trading Co., 2408 E. Lamar, Maryville, TN 

Itinerary

• 5:30 p.m. Meet and Greet social time
• 6:00 p.m. Presentation and Book Signing, Richard Harris