What we’re about
*Addendum 2025*
Now that we've entered the season of unpredictable weather again (and I hate to cancel hikes), I'd like to try making some revisions to our chapter. Our goal will always be to stay active and healthy, but I'd like to adjust to more of a hiking/activities/social group so that we can get to know each other over the colder seasons. I'm going to block some dates and take suggestions for indoor options for what we do that day. Then if the weather cooperates, we can switch to outside activities but at least we'll have something planned to get together. Please pick dates that work for you and send me suggestions (lunch, brewery, game day, museum, etc). Support members are always welcome! Quite a few members live in places like Fort Collins, Aurora, and Evergreen. If anyone is willing to carpool, please mention that in the comments for the event.
*Please read the entire description*
Welcome to the Colorado chapter of PasstoPass. PasstoPass was founded by Bill Meyer in 2016 to help support those with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and keep them hiking and enjoying nature with a healthy support system. PasstoPass is a non-profit organization, based in Washington, which provides multi-day trips on the Pacific Coast Trail for those with PD. We are the Colorado chapter of the parent organization whose goal is to support the mission of PasstoPass and lead day trips in Colorado, either to train those who wish to participate in the Summer multi-day trips or simply enjoy the great trails and community in Colorado.
Trips are planned and led by people with Parkinson’s, or close connections to PD, so that routes, trails, and distances are selected with the physical challenges of participants in mind. Support hikers are welcome and encouraged. The support hikers help people with PD have a positive hiking experience.
As a nonprofit, all volunteer organization, PasstoPass does it all on a shoestring led by people with Parkinson’s. PasstoPass pays for llamas, shared community gear, emergency satellite communications, (on multi-day trips), wilderness First Aid training, insurance and operating expenses. One hundred percent of PasstoPass’ income comes from donations.
The benefits of PasstoPass hikes are both mental and physical. Studies have proven that vigorous exercise improves Parkinson’s symptoms and may slow progression of the disease. Support provided on PasstoPass trips helps hikers overcome the challenges of PD, boosting their morale and confidence. The shared experiences create deep bonds and lasting friendship between hikers.
Although Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, PasstoPass trips allow people with PD to live in the moment, to experience exhilarating physical activity, to challenge themselves, to celebrate success, to hope, and to experience the joy of being outdoors.
Additional information may be found at https://passtopass.org/#. This group is free to join, as are the multi-day hikes, but we always appreciate donations which can accessed on the main website.
All hikers are required to sign annual liability forms. I will bring these to the events.
This is a private Meetup group but we cannot insure complete confidentiality of medical information. Please do not post information you would prefer to keep personal.