Carol Wilber Bradfield (left) and Bert Gould.

“Think of the kids” This was the mantra that kept team Pilot Light going as they hiked 24.1 miles up and down the Bartram Trail June 1, outside Franklin, NC. Carol Wilber Bradfield and Bert Gould of Davidson were part of The Trailblaze Challenge, a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Central and Western North Carolina.

When the steep incline caused the knees to scream, they remembered the money raised would change a child’s life.

In total, 57 ordinary, yet extraordinary individuals took on the trail and raised over $164,000, collectively, to grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy. But in the end, it was the thought of these kids that inspired strength and hope to each hiker.

The day of the hike started at 3 a.m with participants hitting the trail at 5 a.m. with headlamps to light the dark path. It ended before sunset with a slight detour because a bear had been heard near the trail at mile 22. It’s still unclear if it was an actual bear or delirium due to exhaustion but nonetheless every person finished the exceptional journey.

But the training for the big day started back in January when the two agreed to the challenge. Weekdays were spent in the gym and weekends were devoted to hiking local mountains. Along the way, they got to know Matt, a fellow hiker who received a wish back when he was enduring treatments for Leukemia. Knowing how much it meant to their family, Matt and his father joined the challenge so they could grant wishes for other kids.

Make-A-Wish gives hope and joy to the children and their families when they need it most. Though the hike is over, donations can still be made to team Pilot Light. “Think of the kids.” To find out more, visit trailblazechallenge.kintera.org

by