My first time up Mt. Baldy was for this hike way back in 2013.I had started hiking to try to lose weight. Hiking up Mt. Baldy was a daunting task. I couldn't have done it without Gil Cisneros and Cathy Fowler pushing me,  prodding me, cajoling me, and practically carrying me to the summit. It seemed an insurmountable goal, but I made it. And I've participated in every Climb for Heroes since. The next year I hiked to the top of Mount Whitney. On this hike I met inspiring veterans who filled me with awe and respect at their sacrifices and perseverance, and hikers who encouraged and supported me and made me a better hiker. Hiking has changed my life for the better, the weight loss became secondary, although over the course of time I dropped over 130 lbs. The hiking experiences became paramount. I owe it to Climb for Heroes and the Southern California hiking community. Support if you can, financially or with encouragement and good thoughts. Get out and hike, it's transformative. 

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