Evan's Incredible Journey

Greetings! My name is April GilI, wife of Evan Gill. I am writing on behalf of my husband because I feel like his story should be shared about his journey to become the first African American, to summit all 58 14ers in Colorado! We are originally from Baltimore Maryland, and moved to Colorado with our two kids three years ago for a job. Living here has been such an exciting time for me and also given us so many opportunities and open doors. Evan initially started this journey back in June 2020. This was when the height of everything was happening, covid, protesting, riots...etc. As a result of all that, he began having a very hard time dealing with depression, anxiety and recently diagnosed with PTSD.  At this point, Evan needed an outlet...something to do to keep him occupied, sane and keep his mind off of what was going on.  Also, something that enabled him to be outside and be one with nature. With this journey not only did it inspire him, but it made him want to inspire people of color to get up and get out! Go hiking, go camping, go climbing...or even just go for a walk. Since he started this journey, his depression and anxiety has been stable, he's a lot more productive and feeling great! This has also helped him brush up on his editing and camera skills, which produces awesome footage from his hikes for his YouTube channel. Evan's goal is to inspire the people of color to get up, get out and explore. The African American outdoor community is beginning to grow, but at a slow pace. He wants to become the face of outdoor exploration for people of color. He also wants to remind them that it's so much more to their hometown than just what they see on the surface. It's so much more out there to explore, and he wants to show them to not be afraid to do it. Evan would like them to see what it looks like to be 14,000 feet above sea level and what it looks and feels like to be next to a cloud, to be one with nature.  Although its free to summit these 14ers, it still involves long drives, overnight stays, and other miscellaneous cost.  In order to reach some of these 14ers, he has to travel for about 3-6 hours to reach his destinations. From their, he spends the night in his car and begins to summit very early in the morning. Hiking gear isn't cheap and we do what we can to make it work.  If you could support him in anyway you can, we will gladly appreciate it. All donations will being going towards to purchasing hiking gear such as hiking boots (already went through two pairs), weather appropriate clothing, tent, sleeping bag, and other outdoor essentials that will enable him to campout overnight. It will also help him to be able to purchase food, gas money for traveling and camera gear such as a hiking camera backpack, lightweight camera, camera lenses and power bank  so that he could document all of his 14ers for historical purposes. I want to thank everyone for the support that we are receiving on social media! You guys couldn't even begin to understand how much motivation and drive this gives him. Keep it up, lets get him to #58! "The best view comes after the hardest climb" Follow Evan on his journey! Instagram: black_sherpa Facebook: blacksherpa You Tube: blacksherpa