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Welcome to My Donation Page!

I’m currently hiking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, a 3,000 km (1,800 mi) journey that spans the length of the country. This trek will take me approximately four months to complete.

For this thru-hike, I’ve chosen to partner with Hike for Mental Health, a wonderful organization dedicated to both mental health awareness and the conservation of wilderness trails. Their mission is twofold: to raise awareness of the mental health challenges many face, and to promote the responsible use and preservation of our wilderness areas. Eighty percent of their proceeds fund mental health research through the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, while the remaining 20% goes toward maintaining and protecting trails like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Continental Divide Trail (CDT), and Appalachian Trail (AT). You can learn more about their work on their website.

Mental Health:

Back in 2022, I completed a 2,650-mile thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, which profoundly impacted my mental health. The trail offered countless opportunities for bravery, perseverance, trust, love, and kindness during a time when I was feeling lost and alone. It reminded me of who I am and what I’m capable of—lessons that are often hard to remember in the noise of everyday life.

Completing the PCT inspired me to seek therapy and focus on my mental well-being, and that has been a beautiful, life-changing journey. Mental health is something I believe we should keep talking about—creating spaces where people can feel safe to express themselves and get the support they need. By donating to Hike for Mental Health, you’re helping fund research that can improve treatment and understanding of mental illness.

The Hike:

Numerous studies show that spending time in the outdoors has a positive effect on mental health, and I could not agree more. Hike for Mental Health not only organizes wilderness hikes but also works to maintain trails across the country. Over time, trails can become overgrown, trees can fall, and natural events like fires can cause damage—requiring maintenance to keep these trails accessible for everyone. Your donations will help ensure that people have access to the healing power of the outdoors and that our trails remain safe and enjoyable.

I’m proud to support Hike for Mental Health and everything they stand for.

If you can consider making a donation, leaving a message, or sharing this page, I’d really appreciate it!

If you’d like to follow along on my journey, my instagram is @ingrid_kaya_

Thank you for your support!!