Congratulations, Hil!

Meet the Spring “Live Your Big” Awardee

This month, Hil was awarded $500 through our “Live Your Big” scholarship program. She will be taking a once-in-a-lifetime women’s trip to Yosemite in California!

In her words:
"I wasn’t able to fly after my brain injury for almost 11 years, but in October 2025, I was cleared to fly. It feels like my world is open again. I have made good friends from some brain injury groups, and now to have the opportunity to join an incredible women's group—but this time it isn’t defined by my injury.

I’ve been feeling like I’ve transitioned from brain injury girl to mountain woman, from a journey of recovery to a journey of discovery, and this trip just feels right. Right time. Right group. Right experience."

Hil’s trip will take place in August 2026, and she will report back about her experience then!

Learn more about our “Live Your Big” scholarship program by clicking the button below!

Redefining Ourselves Outside—Together

Watch this video from Megan Wright in Indiana—one of our amazing working board members—to hear about her journey and why Outdoor Mindset’s work is unique….and matters.

Megan’s world was turned upside down in 2024, when she was diagnosed with a rare and chronic neurological disorder called Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy-Related Inflammation. She learned about Outdoor Mindset while seeking a means to balance her adventurous drive with her new medical reality. Megan knows, in a very intimate way, how significant both community and nature can be when walking the trail to renewal. Thus, she strives to share nature’s transformative power through communities like Outdoor Mindset, to all who seek healing and well-being.

Immersive Healing in the North Woods: A Scholarship Trip

Jamie was a recipient of our “Live Your Big” scholarship program in 2025!

Jamie used her award to take a family trip to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Below are Jamie’s post-adventure reflections.

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It's hard not to fixate on the ‘before’ and ‘after’ of a traumatic brain injury, or in my case, a craniotomy to remove a rare pituitary brain tumor—one that notoriously slips through the cracks of benign and malignant, with permanent, life-altering impacts. As an outdoor lover, my abilities now are very different from what they were pre-brain trauma. Discovering a new way to connect to the outdoors that sustains me while actively grieving and healing from the loss of my former self is challenging at best. However, the good news is that when my life as a ‘survivor,’ a mom, a partner, a friend, and an employee feels overwhelming and unsteady, nature is my constant, and I trust it. 

In early fall of this year, with the support of Outdoor Mindset, I put my healing journey into practice on a road trip north through Wisconsin to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands, accompanied by my husband, Travis, and our three-year-old son, Farren. 

On our way, we drove through rolling hills, large metros and picturesque farmlands with bright red barns and old silos, along the eastern edge of the driftless region, and deep into the woods of the northern forest—until we came to a vast clearing; crisp, cool air filling our lungs and a feeling of humility and awe—the powerful Lake Superior.

Exploring the Shoreline

We arrived at our cabin for the weekend in Cornucopia, or “Corny” as the locals call it, a little town northwest of Bayfield, which is the launching point for Apostle Islands adventures. When we arrived, it was just shy of sunset on a drizzly, foggy evening. We were eager to stretch our legs, so we quickly unloaded the car, put on our rain boots, jackets, grabbed a flashlight, and set out for a nature hike down to the shoreline. 

We passed by other cabins on the way down this community trail through a mixed-species forest. We came across an apple tree and picked a couple of apples for a trail snack, and investigated big, spongy mushrooms (aka Farren poking them with sticks).

The sound of the waves crashing grew louder, and when we arrived at the shore, each of us was overcome by the endless lake surrounding us, peaceful and turbulent at the same time. Farren’s excitement, stomping in the puddles left behind by the waves, and Travis’s hunt for good skipping stones immediately put me at ease. We were all craving this uncomplicated joy. I ended up with plenty of water in my boots, but I didn’t mind. This was my new version of ‘Type 2’ fun that I didn’t realize I needed, and it made me laugh out loud. 

We continued wandering along the beach toward a small fish shack restaurant for dinner, where everything on the menu was caught that day. Along the way, we came across an artesian well, and we took turns drinking from it…so fresh, pure, and icy cold. We saw historic fishing boats wedged into the sand, and arrived at a large, dock-like platform over the bay, where sailboats and active fishing boats were tied up. We reached the restaurant and huddled inside for a well-earned, super-fresh meal of white fish sandwiches and stew.

Sea Caves and a Giant Waterslide

The next day, it was time to divide and conquer. This area of northern Wisconsin is well-known for its harrowing, majestic sea caves, which can be explored via kayak and canoe in the summer, and as an ice-climbing area in the winter. With a small kiddo in tow, I knew we would not pull off a full-on sea cave adventure. But I was determined that at least one of us would get a good look at them. Travis is an avid runner; that is his way of sustenance, and I had heard about a great five-mile out-and-back trail that ends with cliffside views of the sea caves. I knew this would be our collective chance to get a glimpse, and I’ve become quite skilled at living vicariously through others, so I insisted he go.

Meanwhile, Farren and I took a shorter route, equally as breathtaking, to Siskiwit Falls, which flows north and empties into Siskiwit Bay in Lake Superior. We had been told that in the summer, locals and tourists alike would bring their inner tubes and floaties and slide down these low-angle falls, as if it were a giant waterslide. With plenty of snack breaks along the way, Farren and I clambered down there and confirmed it was the coolest natural water park we had ever seen.

Madeline Island

Another of my favorite adventures on this trip was a visit to Madeline Island by Ferry, where I spent time out on the vast lake, watching the ships and sailboats go by, and exploring Big Bay State Park. While Madeline Island is walkable and bikeable near the port, it was well worth driving to Big Bay (we drove our car on board the ferry with us) to explore the boardwalk trails, along rocky beaches, and through a bog, lagoon, and a coniferous swamp. It was a truly unique experience, nearly all our own, with just a couple of others we saw on this hike - pure joy and peace, running and playing hide and seek in the trees, with my boys.

An Unexpected Gem

One final adventure worth noting was our time spent at Copper Falls State Park. We wanted to experience as much as we could (within reason) on this trip, including a detour on the road home to this very special place, just south of the Bad River Reservation. 

We knew there were waterfalls and a family-friendly trail to see some highlights, but we had no idea how profound these features would be. It was the perfect final stop to stretch our legs and immerse ourselves in the senses, through a mixed conifer and deciduous forest, to see the deep gorges and waterfalls, and wander over bridges that traverse the complex river-landscape system. And it was no surprise that Farren totally rocked it, hiking the whole way up and down the spectacular loop trail.

Alive

The experiences of this trip gave me a familiar feeling of freedom I hadn’t realized I was missing. Since my surgery, and really, before that in my post-partum bubble, I had been quite risk-averse (for good reason). Getting out of my comfort zone was something I sought out like I used to. I had forgotten the feeling: something new, not knowing what was ahead (in a good way), letting myself feel small amidst mountains, oceans, endless landscapes, and wild climates. This adventure brought me home to myself, and in many moments since, I've sought out my new low-key version of ‘Type 2’ fun - mini adventures that are just enough to challenge me and make me laugh, helping me heal and feel whole again.

-Jamie McDevitt-Galles

Wonder + Wildlife: A Scholarship Trip to the Mountains

Daniel was a recipient of our “Live Your Big” scholarship program in 2025!

Daniel used his award to take his first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Below are Daniel’s post-adventure reflections.

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“The gift shop’s out this way, yeah?” an older, rugged-looking man asked me as we walked past one another, at the very top of Trail Ridge Road, around Marmot Point. “Yeah, right up that-a-ways a bit, if you see the donut shop, you’ve gone too far!” I responded, garnering a chuckle from my new mountain friend. Walking back to the car, I took a moment to stop and take in my surroundings.

This was one of many instances where I did such a thing to truly understand, examine, analyze, and appreciate the absolute beauty before me. Throughout the entirety of the trip, these moments became important for me to recall because I knew that this was going to be a trip to remember, and it certainly was.

Staying not far from Rocky Mountain National Park in Grand Lake, Colorado, I was able to get an excellent idea of the topography of the area, seeing the differences between my lakeside retreat and the intimidating, yet strangely beautiful mountain landscapes that millions have been privileged enough to see, myself now included in those numbers. Most fondly, I will always remember this trip because of all of the wildlife I was able to see. 

A female moose, meandering through the treeline at the base of the Rocky Mountains, elk freely eating tasty green leaves from bushes and trees right off the main street in Estes Park, and of course, the group of longhorn sheep that I befriended while trying to take a picture from a distance, only to be surprised at how quickly those sheep ran from me, not wanting to be photographed! That’s okay, plenty of time to make friends some other time. Well, their loss! From Sky Pond, the Ute Trail, the Timber Creek campground, Coyote Valley Trail, Colorado River Trailhead, among many other places within the park, there is so much to talk about.

I was, and continue to be, grateful, gracious, and eternally thankful to the folks at Outdoor Mindset, who helped put all of this together for me, and allowed someone such as myself the opportunity to really get to explore one of the most spectacular National Parks that the United States of America has to offer. Perhaps what I loved most about the trip to Rocky Mountain National Park was the fact that, even though I was able to get a long list of activities and spots checked off and explored, there is still so much more of that park to return to see.

I believe that Outdoor Mindset knows this about Rocky Mountain National Park, and they intentionally get you to go to these amazing places of natural wonder and beauty, only to get you addicted to how awesome nature is, how important green, open spaces are—not only to cognitively challenged individuals like myself, but for everyone, making you dependent and hopelessly addicted to nature, and to those America the Beautiful Park Passes. I’m onto you, Outdoor Mindset! Lovely trip, amazing experience, 11/10, would do it again.

This is a reminder to never underestimate the importance of getting outside, making ever increasing strides to increase your outdoor time, understand that the world is your oyster, and that you, ultimately, are in charge of how you feel each and every day—so why not let the wondrous beauty of Colorado’s magnificent outdoor landscape take you to new places, experiences and show you what you’ve been missing? I love each and every single one of you at Outdoor Mindset—thank you so much for markedly improving my life with this opportunity, and please, let’s do that again!

Sincerely,
T. Daniel Guzio

Megan’s Story

Meet Megan! Megan was diagnosed with Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy - Related Inflammation in February 2024. In her words:

“I don't believe there is any aspect of my life that hasn't been impacted by my diagnosis! Daily tasks, chores/errands, the ability to keep up our home, relationships, and work...they've all had to change. I can no longer work, nor can I be the contributing member of the household that I used to be. It has been a real journey of loss and acceptance, but I am learning to adjust how I contribute, as well as pace myself so that I can still be productive in some sense and also enjoy life.

I thankfully came across Outdoor Mindset in one of my endless online research pursuits. This organization is the only place out there that speaks directly to the neurological population in the outdoor space. The people, like me, who love being active in the outdoors are starving for ways to prevent yet another loss in our lives.

For those folks who haven't experienced what being in nature can do for the mind, body, and spirit, Outdoor Mindset has the potential to impact lives in enormous ways. Connection to the outdoors is not just a luxury for people with neurological conditions...it can literally improve the condition itself.”

Thank million times over, thank you for sharing your story, Megan!

Want to share your experiences? You can do so anytime here

Reflections of an OM Scholarship Adventure

I grew up in a pretty outdoorsy family and have been blessed with some fun experiences when I was younger. However, they have been extremely hard on me and for the longest time, I thought I was just a wimp or out of shape. I always came in last in school sports, skiing was miserable, and I just never had that much energy. I started experiencing weird movements around puberty and by the time I was 15, things had started to go downhill. I was seeing neurologists and trying to rule out heavy metal poisoning, lyme disease, mental illnesses, etc. I had involuntary muscle movements that caused me to throw things, hit things, and hit myself. I was told I shouldn’t ski in case I twitched off the chairlift, shouldn’t drive in case I twitched the wheel and crashed, I shouldn’t cook with hot water or oil or curl my hair in fear of burning myself, and the list goes on. I was basically told to not have a life. I was finally diagnosed at 18 with Myoclonus Dystonia, a rare and chronic neurological movement disorder with no cure. By the time of my diagnosis, I had significantly reduced my time hiking, camping, climbing, shooting, boating and more due to pain and fatigue. I focused on hiding my condition to the best of my ability and climbing the corporate ladder. I excelled at my job, but my only vacations were day trips to walk nature trails, hang at the lake or pool, or using my PTO for sick days due to my condition. My condition continued to deteriorate and at age 29, I couldn’t navigate stairs, my vertigo was so extreme that I couldn’t be on escalators or hike, I tremored so bad I couldn’t type or text and the pain was taking a toll on me.

Right after I turned 30, I met a new neurologist who fast-tracked me to brain surgery to get a Deep Brain Stimulator. I had surgery 3 months later and my life drastically changed. I started walking faster than I ever have, I was obsessed with moving now that I could unhindered! The pain almost vanished along with the tremors, cramping and twitching. I got my dream job offer less than a year out from surgery and I was still recovering. I decided to decline the offer and figure out what I wanted to do with this amazing gift of a more able body. I co-authored a book with my mom about our journey with Myoclonus Dystonia, am in the process of starting my own business to help others, and am using this break to get back into the outdoors. Cue OutdoorMindset. I originally joined with my mom in 2018 after I had a grand mal seizure and a stroke and we did a few hikes in Boulder, CO but it was quite the drive for us and after I recovered from that, I landed an awesome job in Atlanta, GA. I rejoined after moving to Montrose, CO where Lisa told me about a gal in Ridgway that was a part of OM. After meeting her and adoring her perseverance and delightful attitude, I dug into OM some more and found the Adventure Scholarship. I knew I had to apply. I let go of most of my outdoor gear over a decade ago and without an income currently, I couldn’t justify trying anything.

While I have hiked, and camped as a kid and I have been hiking several times a week now that I can; I have never backpacked nor have I ever hiked in Utah. I applied for the Adventure Scholarship to try backpacking in Utah! The first location fell through due to the massive amount of rain we’ve had this year, the second location fell through due to road conditions and weather, but I was not deterred! I ended up backpacking in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. I asked the person who introduced me to Outdoor Mindset (my mom and my advocate) and my sister who has a rare disorder and is my best friend to join me on this adventure.

With a new bionic brain, a much more functional body, and my best friends by my side, I set off for the overall 748-mile adventure. The scenery got more and more spectacular as we got closer to Escalante and we kept getting more and more excited. We passed through Capitol Reef, Dixie National Forest and finally Escalante. We stopped at the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center to get our permit and our bearings. It was a little over an hour on 33 miles of washboard to the Hurricane Wash trailhead but we made it a few hours earlier than we had anticipated and decided to start the hike to shave off a few miles. My mom’s backpack was the wrong one for this adventure so we ended up setting up camp 2.25 miles in from the trail in a beautiful hole in the rock up on a hill with stunning views.

We got up early and decided to day hike as far as we could. We were camped without running water so if we didn’t find more by the time we had gone through half of our supply, we would have to turn back. Luckily, about another 1.3 miles in, we started to hit water. We filled up our containers with our filters and were eager to push on. When we hit the Coyote Creek Convergence a couple of miles later, we felt invincible! There was less deep sand, more shade and much more water so we changed into our water shoes and hiked in the creek for several more miles. While our packs felt lighter, and our spirits were high, I knew realistically we would have to turn back to camp at some point and the further we hiked in, meant the further we’d have to hike out. We couldn’t find the exact mileage to the Jacob Hamblin Arch so we had no idea if it was 1 mile or 10 miles. At mile 6 from camp, I decided we should turn back. I just wanted to go around one more bend. Then my sister wanted to video the next bend real quick. And there it was... at 6.15 miles from camp, THE JACOB HAMBLIN ARCH!!! ALL TO OURSELVES! We had made it and it was so grand, so spectacular and so overwhelming. We spent an hour playing in the water, eating some lunch and of course taking ALL the photos.

The overall hike was almost 18 miles, two nights camping under the beautiful Utah sky, and hundreds of miles in the Jeep. This trip meant so much to me. First off, finally being able to enjoy hiking without severe pain or fatigue meant I felt confident in trying to push my own boundaries. The trail also was not well marked so not only did I gain a TON of confidence in my physical abilities, but I also gained so much confidence in my navigation skills. The second thing that this trip gave me was realizing the overwhelming sense of community I have found, both inOutdoor Mindset and in the community of Montrose, CO. I had a couple of friends lend me their gear without hesitation and many friends were genuinely eager to hear how it went. This trip has opened my mind to the countless opportunities I now have after DBS. My heart is full of so much gratitude, a huge thank you to OutdoorMindset, my family and my friends who made this trip more amazing than I could have ever imagined.