Would you take a stand for a cause you’re committed to changing by walking 80 miles? What if you had to do it while carrying the special person you’re raising awareness for on your shoulders the entire time?
From October 22-30, siblings Spencer, and Virginia Wyckoff led a nine-day, 79-mile hike through the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail. While that may seem ordinary, it was the trip’s guest of honor, their sister Carden, that made the trek extra special. The drive and hike for some Georgians through the scenic trail sounds simple enough for most, but it was something far more complicated for Team Carden.
“I was diagnosed with Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) at the age of 14,” says Carden Wyckoff (Wheeler H.S., Class of 2011). FSHD is a form of muscular dystrophy that affects the skeletal muscles of the face, scapula, and upper arms. As a child she enjoyed the outdoors and could play without issue, but now Carden tires easily and can’t travel long distances.
Ever since, her siblings, Spencer (Wheeler H.S., Class of 2006) and Virginia (Walton H.S., Class of 2014), along with a dedicated crew of partners and friends, arrange piggyback adventures for their sister Carden. For thishike along the Appalachian Trail, sponsored by Vestigo, Spencer carried his sister, Carden, on his back using a specially designed harness. Their father, Kurt, and sister, Virginia, joined them on the adventure to spread the message that no matter what physical limitations are placed on you anyone can reach their goals.
“We are looking to prove that this journey, carrying someone on your back for 79 miles, is not impossible,” said big brother Spencer, “and that Carden and others with FSHD can do amazing things themselves every day.”
This is not the first time Spencer and Carden have raised awareness about FSHD. Spencer also appeared on the Atlanta trials of American Ninja Warrior, and completed a Spartan Race carrying Carden earlier this year.
Carden is already looking forward to her next piggyback journey. “The next adventure may be going skiing,” says Carden.
For more information about the Wyckoff’s journey and to donate to their FSHD cause, visit piggybackadventures.com.
(Photo Information: Marshall Mosher, Clay Trimmer. Bryan Wish, Carden Wyckoff, Virginia Wyckoff, Spencer Wyckoff, and Harbor Hall take a break from their 79 mile hike along the Appalachian Trail.)
