This article was originally published in the Mountaineer, April 16, 2019.
Canton natives Kyra Mehaffey Waitt and her mother Jolene are passionate about hiking and helping those in need — specifically, children who suffer from critical illnesses. Photo contribution: Cami Couch
On May 18, Kyra Mehaffey Waitt and her mother-in law, Jolene Waitt, will participate in the Trailblaze Challenge, a 28.3-mile single-day hike for charity. Each hiker must raise $2,500 by July 3.
That’s why Kyra and her mother-in-law, Jolene Waitt, are participating in the upcoming Trailblaze Challenge for the local Make-A-Wish chapter. This annual event is organized to raise money for critically ill children from Western North Carolina to Charlotte, and will require that Kyra and Jolene complete a grueling 28.3-mile hike along the Foothills Trail in a single day: May 18.
The Trailblaze Challenge also requires each participant to raise $2,500. These donations will grant children wishes, bringing happiness into their lives.
“It’s local,” Jolene said. “All of the money raised will affect children in the area. The average cost of a wish is $6,000, so exceeding our goal would mean that we’d be able to cover an entire wish.”
“More is better,” she added.
Children who receive wishes have a better chance of recovery than those who don’t, which is why Kyra and Jolene are asking the public to donate, and in turn, help touch the lives of kids in need. If Kyra and Jolene don’t reach their fundraising goal by July 3, they’ll have to pay the difference out of their own pockets.
They’ve been training every weekend, each time hiking farther than before. Designated as Team W8, the duo is going above and beyond to prepare, and they fully intend to hike together the entire way.
“We’ve scheduled group hikes every other weekend with the Asheville Group,” Jolene said. “We’ve been attending those since February, and on the off weeks, we try to do the same as we did the week before, or increase the difficulty or length of the hike.”
“We try to do the same as we did the week before, or increase the difficulty or length of the hike.”
Kyra and Jolene’s strong relationship, and their determination to hold each other accountable, pushes them to train harder.
“My biggest concern is not letting people down,” Kyra said. “I’m blown away that so many people have given to us. We’re almost there, and I’m so excited.”
The pair claim that their reliance on each other has played a significant role in their success thus far. They agree that spending time together is just another wonderful reason for attempting the challenge.
Team W8 recommitted to the endurance hike April 3. As they put it, “it feels good to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
Those interested in Kyra and Jolene’s journey can keep up with their progress and or/donate on the Team W8 Make-A-Wish page.
