Noah's Pacific Crest Trail Adventure

In 2020, at age 21, I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma. It was shocking, scary, and instantly turned my life upside down. After ten months, fourteen rounds of chemo, countless hospital visits, and a surgically removed shoulder-blade, I got to ring the bell and get my life back on track to where it is today. I say with enormous gratitude that I would not be in the fortunate position I am today without the overwhelming support I have received from Ramstrength! Now I am looking to give back to such an incredible organization.

Ramstrength is a community of survivors and passionate advocates united together to reduce the stressors associated with the life-altering diagnosis of cancer. They provided me with money for groceries during treatment and scholarships to achieve my goal of becoming a first-generation college graduate.

Not only have they have helped me while navigating the many difficulties of a cancer diagnosis, they have helped over 2,500 other cancer patients in Northern Colorado, and they don't plan on slowing down anytime soon!

Immediately after graduating from Colorado State University in 2024 (thanks to scholarships from Ramstrength!), I set off to hike the Colorado Trail. I dedicated my trek to those who have walked the daunting path of a cancer diagnosis before me, and those to come. In part, I wanted to prove to myself that you only need one shoulder-blade to carry a backpack for 500 miles. After traversing the mountains from Denver to Durango, I can confidently say I was right. But ultimately, the best and most fulfilling part of the trip was being able to raise money for the community who had made my graduation, healing, and trek possible — Ramstrength. 

During my Colorado Trail Thru-Hike, I raised nearly $1,500 for Ramstrength. These funds went directly to cancer patients in need. If you’re reading this, and donated to my campaign back then, I cannot thank you enough! Two years later, I’m ready for an even bigger trek: the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail. 

On April 27th, I will begin my hike at the US-Mexico border in southern California. From April to October, I will walk every step of the 2,650 miles through desert, mountains, and forests to the Canadian border. This is a longer hike, and I believe we can raise even more funds! My goal is to contribute as much as possible to individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, focus on healing, and get back to doing whatever moves them. I will be joined by some amazing friends on this journey, so a big shout-out to Seth Reissig, Tucker Chapin, Palmer Littleton and whoever else may end up on the trail with us!

Giving back to Ramstrength in this way is momentous for me. They have been by my side every step of the way as I have gone from cancer patient to cancer survivor. I can only hope that taking this journey can help and inspire others to kick cancer’s butt!

Much love to anyone who reads this and anyone who can donate!

Noah Jazz Dayton