50-ish woman who discovered hiking and nature's medicine after a 2008 diagnosis of Follicular Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I picked up a copy of Jean Deed's "There Are Mountains to Climb" in the chemo infusion room, introducing me to the Appalachian Trail. Had planned first to hike the AT, however with family commitments and the possibility of relapse of the cancer (which has been in remission for 4 years now), it made more sense to start with the Pacific Crest Trail, as I'm an Oregonian. I also took up running last year and enjoy participating in 5K events. It's my hope to inspire those who face the challenges of physical limitations, disabilities or illnesses, to live out your dreams. My "trail name" is "Maps" as I collect all sorts of them and love reading them.