MyoCon! Rate increases on August 28th!
By Kaila Balch
When I launched this journey in May, my goal was simple: hike the Pacific Crest Trail in honor of my cousin Brandon, who lives with dermatomyositis, while raising awareness and funds for The Myositis Association—$2,650, one dollar for every mile of the journey. Now, more than 1,100 miles later, that goal continues to propel me forward every day.
As of August 4, I am at mile 1,154 near Donner Pass, just outside North Lake Tahoe. Reaching this point feels surreal. In just a few hundred more miles, I’ll be at the halfway mark of the Pacific Crest Trail, a milestone that seemed impossibly far away when I first stepped onto the trail at the Mexican border.
The journey north has been incredible, but it also comes with challenges. Right now, I’m trying to navigate the logistics of completing the trail before snowstorms begin moving into Washington later this season, while also adapting to fire closures that can alter routes and plans with little notice. Like many long-distance hikers, I’ve learned that flexibility is just as important as endurance.
One of the most memorable parts of the trip so far was having my partner, Alex, join me on the John Muir Trail section of the PCT. Sharing that stretch of trail with someone I love made an already unforgettable experience even more meaningful.
Together, we also tackled a couple of memorable “side quests,” summiting both Mount Whitney and Half Dome. Standing atop two of California’s most iconic peaks provided breathtaking views and a reminder of how fortunate I am to experience these wild places.
Another unexpected highlight has been the trail community. Until recently, I was hiking with an international trail family that included hikers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Long days on the trail, shared meals, and mutual support create bonds quickly. The friendships I’ve made along the way are just as valuable as the miles I’ve covered.
The wildlife encounters have certainly kept things interesting. So far, I’ve seen several bears, crossed paths with rattlesnakes, and even heard a mountain lion near the trail.
Perhaps most of all, I’ve been humbled by the natural beauty surrounding me every day. From alpine lakes and granite peaks to endless mountain vistas, I’ve experienced some of the most beautiful scenery of my life.
As I continue north, I often think about Brandon and everyone affected by myositis. The physical and mental resilience required on a thru-hike is significant, but it pales in comparison to the challenges faced by those living with a chronic autoimmune disease every day. Their strength continues to inspire me through every climb, every mile, and every obstacle.
Thank you to everyone who has followed this journey, donated to The Myositis Association, and helped spread awareness of dermatomyositis and other forms of myositis. I’ll keep putting one foot in front of the other and sharing updates from the trail as I make my way toward Canada.
