Hiking isn’t exactly high on my list of things I enjoy.
When faced with the chance to hike or ride a train to the top of a mountain in Switzerland, it should come as no surprise that I chose the latter. But for those of you reading this who are avid mountain climbers or hikers, kudos to you. You guys have more willpower (and energy) than I do.
But few have the perseverance that Stacey Kozel has…
From this picture, 41-year-old Stacey Kozel may look like your average hiking enthusiast.
But I bet you’d never guess that just three years ago, Kozel was declared paralyzed from the waist down.
Kozel suffers from lupus, an autoimmune disease, that has left her with no movement in her legs.
But a setback like paralysis wouldn’t stop this avid outdoorswoman from enjoying the fresh air and hitting the trails again.
With physical therapy and the aid of high-tech braces, Kozel is able to continue doing what she loves.
And she’s certainly not starting off small! As it has always been a dream of hers, Kozel embarked on hiking the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail back in March.
Now nearly three-quarters through the trail, Kozel shows no signs of stopping.
It is her hope that by hiking the Appalachian Trail, she can inspire others with limited mobility to get out and accomplish their dreams, as well as bring awareness to advancing technology.
For more on Kozel’s courageous journey, check this out:
This woman’s story has definitely inspired me to get out and turn my dreams into a reality. No matter the task, we should all remember that everything begins by putting one foot in front of the other.
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