Team Vandering Vikings

Pat Hankin from Vandering Vikings shares her experience as a 2024 Trail Blazer

How did you hear about Trail Blazers, and how did you decide to sign up? 
About one month after hip replacement surgery, I got a mailer for Trail Blazers announcing the 2024 program. I had been involved with Camp Casco previously and am an avid hiker.  The universe converged for me with the topics of hiking, Camp Casco, and a motivating goal for working through rehab. I coordinated with my long-term physical therapist to map out a plan with milestones to meet the hiking goal in four months.

Who joined you on this adventure? 

This was a family affair. My daughter Charlotte Hankin, her boyfriend Jack Connolly, and my sister-in-law Linda Seale enthusiastically joined. We were joined by an in-country field expert and long-term family friend, Ellert Sigurdsson, who helped plot the route. He and I have been hiking together for 30+ years in Iceland.

How did your team decide to hike in Iceland?  

I love Iceland, and it is only a 4.5-hour flight from Boston. The proximity also meant I could return to Boston easily should anything happen with my new hip. I chose this familiar place for the adventure, and the family was on board. Jack had never been and is a keen birder, so we planned the location around the annual bird migration. 

What was your favorite memory from your hike? 

Unanimously, it was climbing to eye-level with a puffin colony about 20 feet away. We sat alone by a cliff and watched them go in and out of their little burrows. No one else was there. It felt so special. And just for us

On a manmade basis, that miles-long, 30’ high defense wall that the Icelanders had built was pretty cool. It’s impressive how they protected the power plant from the pesky volcano that keeps erupting.

You were one of our top fundraisers this year! How did you approach fundraising for Camp Casco? 

I asked someone for advice. I have an activist cousin who constantly fundraises, and I have never done it before. We talked about a reasonable amount to set as a goal and what to expect in terms of participation. It also helped that my social circle consists of people whose values include giving.  

Camp Casco is a cause everyone can support. I projected a 10% participation rate from my mailing list. It ended up being closer to 75%.

What advice would you give to next year’s Trail Blazers? (hiking/training and/or fundraising) 

Trail Blazers can serve as a catalyst to achieve a personal goal—fitness, recovery, a bucket list, philanthropy, or a family trip. Walking in nature is great for mental health. You don’t have to undertake the drama of our hike; a local walk accomplishes the same. 

Find an accountability buddy who will keep you focused on your goal. I had great physical therapists who kept me on task. I joined a local walking group to train. And remember that it’s ok to modify your hike if needed.

Be prepared to pivot.  I lost my long-term PT halfway through the rehab program and had to modify the goal and find other ways to get in shape for the hike.

I understand the terror of asking people for money. But I kept in mind people are generous and want to help. Draw up a list of friends, family, and business contacts. Talk about your cause and trip to those who will listen. Some people then asked me to be included. My gym, TrainBoston, asked to sponsor my team. 

I personalized my gratitude to my supporters. For example, I hand-wrote personalized thank-you cards to each donor. 

What does being a Trail Blazer mean to you? How do you think this program positively impacts our campers? 

It’s hard to internalize how expensive cancer care is, even if you have good insurance. Extra help, reduced hours to earn, special foods, and constant specialist appointments are all part of working to recovery. People were very generous to me with their time when I needed it, and I am happy to pay it forward so that families can have at least one thing that can relieve the cost and concern for their kids. I am delighted the kids get a week where they can just be kids, and cancer is an afterthought.