Step Into the New Year with Purpose:
Make-A-Wish San Diego Trailblaze Challenge® Kicks Off Spring 2025 Info Sessions
Recruiting hikers for 28-mile challenge to help grant wishes for local children
SAN DIEGO, CA (January 15, 2025) – Make-A-Wish San Diego is inviting hikers to take to the local trails and support wish kids through this unique endurance program. The annual Trailblaze Challenge is more than a hike; it’s more than a fundraiser. It challenges participants physically and emotionally, while ultimately helping grant wishes for children with critical illnesses in our community.
Presented by Wheelhouse Credit Union, all proceeds will directly benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego and help create life-changing wish experiences for children and their families during a difficult time. “Every great journey begins with a single step, and the Trailblaze Challenge is one such journey everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It is an incredibly rewarding opportunity to push your physical boundaries while bringing much needed hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses. Join Wheelhouse in the Trailblaze Challenge and make a lasting impact on kids who need it most.” said Lisa Paul-Hill, CEO of Wheelhouse Credit Union.
Whether a novice or advanced hiker, participants will have the opportunity to explore new trails, build confidence and knowledge of the outdoors, and create lifelong friendships all while training for the 28-mile trek on the iconic Pacific Crest Trail and raising funds to support wish granting in our community. The Trailblaze Challenge has raised nearly $5 million dollars in its first eight years and was recently awarded as a “top Trailblaze Challenge program” across the country by Make-A-Wish America.
“This is so much more than just a physical challenge; it’s an opportunity to unite as a community and support kids battling critical illnesses when they need it most,” said Suzanne Husby, CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego. “I’ve personally hiked Trailblaze Challenge the past five years and know firsthand how impactful the experience is for hikers, and for the kids we serve.”
Why Join the Trailblaze Challenge?
- Adventure: Explore new scenic trails in Southern California
- Community: Join a team of passionate hikers united by a common cause
- Impact: Every step funds wishes that bring hope and joy to children in San Diego & Imperial Counties
Event Dates: Each hike weekend includes 100 hikers supported by 30 trained hike leaders and medical volunteers with aid stations along the route:
- Hike Weekend #1: May 2-4 (hike on Saturday, May 3) – Big Bear, CA
- Hike Weekend #2: May 16-18 (hike on Saturday, May 17) – Big Bear, CA
- Hike Weekend #3: May 30-June 1 (hike on Saturday, May 31) – Big Bear, CA
2025 Hiker Highlights:
- Parents of wish kids coming back to hike again
- “Wish Hero Trailblazers” who are pledging to hike two or all three weekends
- Make-A-Wish San Diego CEO, Suzanne Husby hiking for her 6th year
- Hundreds of participants of varying experience levels, from beginner to advance coming together to form a special hiking community
How to Learn More:
- Potential hikers can learn more about this incredible journey by visiting www.trailblazechallengesd.org to sign up for a FREE info session between January 15-29
- Follow along on Instagram @trailblazechallengesd
- Companies interested in forming a group hike team can email gdasilva@sandiego.wish.org
About Make-A-Wish San Diego
Make-A-Wish San Diego creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since its inception in 1983, the San Diego chapter has granted over 5,330 wishes to children in our community. At Make-A-Wish, the goal is simple: to provide children and their families with a life-affirming experience amid a very challenging time. A wish has the power to change a child’s mental state, provide desperately needed respite for a family, and allow them to experience a sense of normalcy. San Diego is part of a network of Make-A-Wish chapters committed to a shared vision of granting the wish of every eligible child. For more information, visit them online at Make-A-Wish® San Diego