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.
A brain tumor survivor reconnects with nature and healing on a family trip to Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. The journey, supported by Outdoor Mindset, blends physical challenges with emotional renewal through simple adventures and family bonding. The trip rekindled a sense of freedom and self, redefining adventure and joy after brain trauma.
“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 doughnut shoppe, 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.
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’ve been a member of Outdoor Mindset since 2013 when I moved to Colorado to continue rehabilitation from a brain injury. I’ve always appreciated that OM has less of a focus on the problems of neurological challenge and more of a focus on the adventures ahead. Our tag line should read “I have a brain challenge, you have a brain challenge…so what…let’s climb a mountain.” I’ve found a community of people who understand neurological challenge but who refuse to let the challenges define the ability to adventure well. These are my kind of people and I’m so thankful for the community and the Outdoor Mindset!
In golf, it’s called a handicap. We all have one. The parents we were born with, Bad things that have happened to us. Poverty. Illness. Bad decisions that weren’t really our fault. Any life condition(s) that make it difficult, if not impossible, to be the best at something. And yet you can still be the best (whether or not that means being better than everyone else).
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.