Making Hikes Matter More!

At the beginning of the new year, Amy Edwards was looking for a challenge. When she saw the #52hikingchallenge on social media, she knew she could hike one trail each week of the year, all while carrying a bead for Beads of Courage. Her requirements were simple: First, to hike on a dirt trail at least a mile long. Second, never to repeat hikes, so that each one is a new trail. Third, to carry her beads on each hike.
Amy has been carrying beads for Beads of Courage for years, and wanted to carry beads on her hikes to provide strength and inspiration from her journey. She has ventured from the Lost Dutchman State Park to the Superstition Mountains to the top of Picacho Peak, and plans to hike Humphrey’s Peak, the tallest in Arizona, in a few weeks!
Amy takes each hike step by step, and gets a second wind while carrying beads. Amy said, “I have definitely gotten inspiration from my beads when I've been on tough trails. I always think of a child who doesn't have the option to quit and must endure more painful experiences than me when the trail gets too steep or too long.” She is about halfway through her challenge, and she plans to complete all 52 hikes while carrying her beads to give the child more strength to keep up their fight on a tough treatment day.
Thanks Amy for sharing your story and carrying beads! Be sure to keep up with her on Instagram at az_nature_lover to see the rest of her hiking adventures. No adventure is too big or small to carry beads! Each adventure with beads encourages the children and teens who receive them. If you want to provide encouragement to a child in treatment, please Carry a Bead on an adventure that is meaningful to you!

- Contributed by Cristal Rogers, Marketing and Communications Intern, Beads of Courage