We invite you to join us in supporting this wonderful organization called True North Treks. We recently attended a mini trek and as a part of that we have committed to raising funds for future attendees of treks as a pay it forward pledge. The impact this had on our cancer journey as young adults has been immense and we feel very passionate about others being able to have the same opportunity. Seriously, it was a life changing weekend!

We spent four days in the backcountry of Upper Peninsula Michigan at a beautiful retreat center that was donated to the organization. Right on the Southern shore of Lake Superior, we had access to a swimmable Lake Superior beach, woods and campfires, and beautiful sunsets across the waters of the lake. We ate meals together, sat around the fire, did yoga in the yoga studio, sat in the sauna, and built friendships and community with the 4 other survivors, faster than we thought possible. This was something I don't think we realized we needed as much as we did. Being able to talk, in person, with others who have been through what we have. Candidly asking each other hard questions and sharing what we often find hard to talk about with people who haven't experienced what we have.

We spent our days going on beautiful hikes (17 miles total!) as a group in the woods of the Upper Peninsula. Our trek leader taught us so much about mindfullnes and we would spend much of our time focusing on the nature around us considering the following topics: having an open mind, allowance and acceptance, letting things go and letting things be, self-compassion/loving kindness, and gratitude. We learned these new tools of mindfulness to bring back home with us. Tools that we can practice that we know will help us deal with the challenges to come.

If you're interested in giving towards our fundraiser here are three ways to get involved:

1) Donate any amount on this page.

2) Donate in advance and join Rachel's virtual yoga class (gentle and relaxing) on Saturday 10/23 at 8:30am CST. Suggested donation ($10-$15). Email Rachel at rtwilder311@gmail.com if you'd like to attend. Rachel recently finished her Yoga Teacher Training and she is excited to give her talents and time to fundraise for True North Treks. She hopes to one day lead yoga on a Trek for other cancer survivors in the future!

3) Attend a coffee and baked goods popup on 10/23 at 10am where I'll be serving Yeasty Boys Bread Co. bakery items and lattes (weather permitting...). More info to come in the following week on my instagram. If you don't have instagram email me your rsvp at mattdgregg@gmail.com. Also all profits from Yeasty Boys t-shirts will go to True North Treks as well.

View photos from our trek here