Do It Yourself (DIY) Fundraising

In 2025, I am planning to get back on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) to raise money to find a cure for Crohn’s Disease.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail—a lifelong dream and one of the greatest adventures of my life.

In 2023, I started in Campo and hiked 1,170 miles of the PCT through record snowfall. In 2024, despite my surgeon recommending a knee replacement, I told the doc, “Hey, I think I can do 2,650 miles before I need a new knee.” So, I pulled my PCT permit and started back at the Mexico border—rehiking many miles in my attempt to complete a continuous footpath from Mexico to Canada.

Well, I didn’t make it all the way, but I did hike 1,450 miles before an injury forced me off the trail. After getting off, I had a knee replacement in November. Now, I’m on a mission to complete the sections I had to skip due to snow, fires, and injury on my previous hikes.

Join me as I take on everything the PCT has to offer—from encounters with bears and snakes to summiting snowy passes, trekking through deserts, navigating wildfires, making new trail friends, and witnessing some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. This journey isn’t just about survival—it’s about thriving in the wild.

Come along for some Type 1 and Type 2 fun (and hopefully not too much Type 3 fun). I hope you enjoy the videos and that my story inspires you to get outside!

While on the trail, I would also like to help others by fundraising for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. My son Tim was diagnosed with Crohn’s, and at that time, I was not sure if he would make it. It's pretty scary to think you might lose one of your kids. The good news is they were able to get his Crohn’s under control.  His Crohn’s hasn’t been cured. However, they’re able to manage his Crohn's symptoms with infusions that he will need for the rest of his life. Again this is NOT A CURE but symptom management. Your donations will help to fund research to find a cure for Crohn’s & Colitis. 

You can pledge per mile or make a lump sum donation. It does not matter how small your contribution is; it all adds up and shows your support. These donations go directly to The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, a 501(c)(3), and donations are tax-deductible. The foundation is BBB-accredited charities, Charity Navigator, and Charity Watch, to assure that  your donation will make a difference and fund the fight.

Any contribution you can make to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation would be appreciated. 

You can follow my progress on my trail using the links below:

▶︎ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike_riggs_...

▶︎ PCT 2024 YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

▶︎ PCT 2023 YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...

▶︎If you don't know what type 1,2, and 3 Fun is this is for you: https://www.rei.com/blog/climb/fun-scale 

I hope you have a great day. Take it easy, and stay in touch!

Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions. 

Mike Riggs

602-316-8277 / Mike.R.Riggs@Gmail.com

About Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

Known collectively as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis affect millions of Americans. The Foundation's mission is to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults who are affected by these diseases. No gift is too small when we work together. Please join me by donating today, every dollar gets us closer to cures! 

The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is the largest non-profit, voluntary, health organization dedicated to finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).  The Foundation works to fulfill its mission by funding research; providing educational resources for patients and their families, medical professionals, and the public; and furnishing supportive services for those afflicted with IBD.