Dear Geckos Friends and Family – We hope this finds you doing well in spirit and health. Over the past five years, since May 4, 2019, your love, kindness, prayers and being there for Lisa, Madison and I have provided much needed strength. Not a day goes by where we aren't thankful. We are forever grateful.
In this journey we continue to heal, one day at a time. On September 20th, 2024, I will be making my way to a special place I call my "place of peace", The Grand Canyon. Jackson enjoyed hiking Sedona and other parts of Northern Arizona. To remain "connected with Jackson" I began the Rim to Rim hike a few years ago. Grand Canyon is very special. In addition to the beauty, it provides no cell service, traffic, interruptions and allows space to process. Rim to Rim is a 23.9 mile, done in a single day by less than 1% of the park visitors each year, while taking in about 8 liters of water and burning about 6-8,000 calories based on the pace set.
This year's Grand Canyon trek has taken on a new meaning to me and the family. Not only do I want to I want to continue to use the hike as a means to heal and grow, I want to have the trek become a gift in remembering Jackson. Because his spirit is strong and remains with us always, I would like this hike to benefit a recipient of the Jackson Weller Memorial Fund. A link to the fund can be found below. The Memorial Fund is set up to provide a scholarship funding Gateway Community College Baseball and a player to be named. There is criteria built around the award and it is designed to help off-set costs associated with pursuing a degree. As many of you know Jackson attended Gateway Community College in Phoenix, AZ. prior to transferring to the University of New Mexico. The longer-range goal would be to have the scholarship follow a recipient through graduation from a 4-year Institution. The scholarship award will be made once annually.
Jackson Weller Scholarship | GateWay Community College (gatewaycc.edu)
"23 for 23" is the name for this year's hike. 23 Miles for Jackson. His favorite number was always 23 and started when he became a big fan of Michael Jordan. For those that have already asked how they can be a part of this year's trek, I have simply said an amount you're comfortable with to donate per mile on the hike. Don't worry, I will finish the hike����
The "23 for 23 Hike" will start at the Bright Angel Trailhead, cross the Colorado River, stop briefly at Phantom Ranch (best lemonade on the planet), and continue up North Kaibab enough to make the turn and return up the Bright Angel Trail (the ascent and finish is a beast of a challenge spanning several miles and several thousand feet).
As I said at the beginning, we are stronger individually and as a family because of you. We are sincerely grateful and blessings to y'all.
"It's a great day to have a great day" – Jackson Lloyd Weller
Peace and Love,
Patrick, Lisa, Jackson and Madison
