Hike for Carlos and MND sufferers. Past and present

Hi there! I am Samantha and have plans for a multi-day hike. My first multi day hike, solo wild camping in some beautiful areas. This journey is dedicated to a very special family caring for their patriarch, Carlos, who has lost so much. By stepping out of my comfort zone and sacrificing my usual comforts for a few days, as Carlos has lost his, I hope to honor his resilience, and the resilience of other MND sufferers. 

At the beginning of the year Carlos's family set up a fundraiser with the hope to raise 5k for “Dynamic Arm Supports” for him. Robot arms, essentially. They almost tripled their goal and raised enough to get an upgraded version to what they were originally planning. I was hoping to raise additional funds to make up for the cost of their out of pocket costs for the arm support, but Carlos’s family are very humble and want any additional funds raised to go to Macquarie university health where the core of this research happens (this is where Carlos's doctor is; he’s been overseeing carlos's treatment and is the lead researcher in Australia for finding a cure for ALS) - so that way no funds or support go to waste 

Plans are for the first or second week of September 2025 but will confirm soon. Please read further for Carlos's story and what I am doing the help raise funds. 

I'm making a difference and hiking for a cause that's close to my heart. I’d appreciate any contribution, big or small as it all helps. Thanks so much for your support!

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Below is Carlos's story

From the carlos’s family

The photo you see is the last photo we have of our dad standing independently.

Our dad Carlos was diagnosed with ALS back in 2022 after complaining of muscle cramps and spasms in his arms and legs. An inability to raise his left foot was what prompted a trip to the emergency department. After copious tests, trials and scans, the resulting diagnosis came as a shock for our family. Our otherwise healthy, happy and free-spirited dad had been served a death sentence in his 50’s.

2-5 years at worst, decades at best.

Dad’s mobility now is limited to that of a mechanical wheelchair. We are fortunate and grateful that he still has his speech and the ability to breathe independently, but he requires round the clock care. He cannot walk anymore, dance anymore, or even raise his arms to brush his hair or feed himself.

ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Louis Gehrig’s disease is an illness which weakens the muscles and impacts physical functions of a person. Day by day, the nerve cells in the body begin to break down with no chance at regeneration. The muscles in the body begin to decay and the affected individual is riddled with chronic pain as their body wastes away.

The person affected slowly begins to have trouble walking, trouble standing up, trouble using their arms, trouble speaking… eventually they will have trouble breathing on their own.

There is medication to slow down the progression of the illness, but it is terminal.

There is no cure for ALS.

We have made a gofundme page with the hope to raise 5k, for “Dynamic Arm Supports” for him. Robot arms, essentially.

Why? Because this will give him at least some semblance of his independence back. With the help of these supports, Carlos will be able to feed himself, brush his own teeth and hair, and get himself a drink of water when he’s thirsty. He will be able to hold a pen and draw, design and create as he has his entire life. For a man whose entire life has been stolen from him, this will give him a chance —while he is still able— to be himself again without having to rely on others.

They were overwhelmed with the support received and almost tripled their goal goal and because of everyone's contributions, they have been able to overwrite the idea of getting Carlos the baseline dynamic arm support (retailing for 5K) and will likely soon be able to get him an electric-powered dynamic arm which retails for 15K. This will improve his quality of life significantly!!

What am I doing?

Hey all, I'm finalizing plans for a multi-day solo hike. A significant challenge for me as I'm not typically an overnight or multi-day hiker. This journey is dedicated to a very special family caring for their patriarch, Carlos, who has lost so much. By stepping out of my comfort zone and sacrificing my usual comforts for a few days, as Carlos has lost his, I hope to honor his resilience.

The hike will cover between 60-70km over 4 days. The hike is mostly on fire trails going through Newnes state forest, The gardens of stone and Wollemi national park. While there I will be visiting some iconic highlights in the area.

I have drawn a 66km route but will vary and be dependent on how I go physically and mentally. I will Start Sandham rd near the historic Zig Zag railway at Clarence NSW cross Wollangambe river (depending on water level), and make my way around the areas planned and then go towards to the glow worm tunnel, down Old coach road then along Wolgan rd to Newnes hotel, which is the safest option for personal safety and regarding road closures as during rain forecasts, as National parks may close the road which will impede me finishing at the Glow Worm tunnel and meeting my cheer squad.

Nights will still be quite cold. I'll be carrying a tent and other ultralight gear in my backpack. I have a satellite messenger for communication when there's no reception. My food will consist of lightweight, dehydrated options will be dehydrating my own food and a friend will also be dehydrating some food for me.

 I'm confident in my ability to persevere. This could be one of the most rewarding things I do and also the most challenging. Please help me honor Carlos and other MND sufferers by donating. Big or small, every dollar counts.

Forever grateful Sam xx