April Conquers Ice Age Trail

April Scheel, 49 of Madison, WI sets out to hike the entire Ice Age Trail despite the challenge of cerebral palsy.

Hello! Thank you so much for visiting my fundraising page, and I hope you join me in my journey to continued independence and adventure.

I have lived an adventurous life with cerebral palsy. Through my childhood, I faced the struggles of learning to walk again after numerous surgeries, while also handling constant ridicule and bullying from my peers. So often, these difficulties have stolen my confidence and self-worth. But they have also made me who I am today. With an additional sensory disorder that can be severe at times, being outdoors is often the only thing that quiets my body/mind and gives me peace. I have hiked hundreds of miles since COVID hit, and my confidence is steadily growing. With my confidence growing, I am starting to believe it may be possible for me to hike the 1,200 miles of the Ice Trail.

This GoFundMe will help to provide items to support my daily life and make the trail more accessible and safe. Now that I have a reliable vehicle, I plan to use these funds raised to purchase accessible hiking gear and travel expenses (food, gas, & lodging) for hiking the segments further from my home. Additionally, I would use the funds to purchase hiking boots as my gait and orthotics make new boots a requirement every three months. (That’s like having to resharpen a pencil every other time you use it!)

But, it’s bigger than material things.

I am passionate about being who I am, moving through the world in my own way and in my own power. Sometimes I receive a little bit of help, love, and kindness, but I have always tried to give what I haven’t received. As a peer to those with mental health struggles, I know what it is like to be invisible and unheard. With every obstacle I overcame, my heart grew bigger. I have given compassion to others in unique ways and have conquered many feats, including beating cancer in 2000 and winning two Special Olympic medals in 2013.

Even through challenges, I continue to thrive and move through life seeing the brighter side of what’s in front of me. I know how to love and care for other people, but I am still learning how to love and care for myself. Asking for help is very difficult for me. If you are able, please consider supporting my journey through this GoFundMe. Even when the path is clear, my obstacles are always still there.

With your assistance, they just won’t be as big. I’m a giver, not a taker; come trek with me and be a memory maker.