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OPERATION SECOND STRIDE

Beginning September 5, 2026, Jenny Jackson, is committing to backpacking 33 miles along a segment of the Appalachian Trail to help raise $333,000 in support of a gene therapy for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta. Her goal is to complete 11 miles a day for 3 consecutive days in honor of the 11-year anniversary of her hip and pelvic reconstruction surgeries.

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This journey, much like the cause itself, is rooted in perseverance, hope, and the determination to keep moving forward even when the path is difficult.

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Living with Mucolipidosis alpha/beta has meant navigating a body that did not function the way she needed it to. Her life included long periods of recovery,

adaptation, and learning to live within physical limitations.  For many years, her relationship with her body was defined by pain, dependence, and long hospital stays.  She relied heavily on mobility aids and caregivers, with very little independence. Severe daily pain meant that even a few minutes on her feet could be exhausting, and giving up dance, the thing that once made her feel most alive, was one of the hardest losses she faced.

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Then, during college, one orthopedic surgeon changed the course of her life. Through complex joint reconstruction surgeries, he rebuilt what years of pain had damaged and gave her something she had not experienced in a long time: hope. For the first time, a life with less pain and greater possibility felt within reach.

 

Today, Jenny has had 9 surgeries and after years of physical therapy and occupation therapy,  physical fitness and activity eventually became more than recovery. They became a way to rebuild trust in her body. Every challenge, every difficult mile, and every moment of pushing through discomfort became a reminder that growth, strength, and progress were still possible, even if they looked different than before.

 

This Appalachian Trail challenge is deeply personal. It represents reclaiming strength through discipline, effort, and purpose. Every mile symbolizes resilience over perfection, and progress over limitation.

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Sponsorship Opportunities

1. Champion - $11,000 

Lead the mission and help drive real progress towards gene therapy

 

Champion Supporters will receive:

  • ​Featured Recognition across all marketing materials, including website, social media, hiking flag, and hiking shirt. 
  • Recognition and Priority shoutouts throughout the entire journey
  • Your name or business highlighted as a major supporter
  • Personalized acknowledgment and thank-you
  • A shared connection to the effort of advancing gene therapy research for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta​​​

 

2. Summit Sponsor - $3,300 

Sponsor 1 of the 3 days on the Appalachian Trail

 

Summit Supporters will receive:

  • ​Featured recognition across all marketing materials, including website, social media, hiking flag, and hiking shirt.

  • Recognition and Priority shoutout tied to a specific day during the backpacking journey

  • Your name or business highlighted as a major supporter​

  • Personalized acknowledgment and thank-you

  • A shared connection to the effort of advancing gene therapy research for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta​

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3. Mile Sponsor - $1,100 

Sponsor 1 of the 33 miles to be completed on the Appalachian Trail

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Mile Sponsors will receive:​

  • Website recognition

  • Recognition in a “Mile Sponsor” appreciation post

  • Inclusion on the hiking flag

  • Inclusion on my backpacking shirt

  • Recognition tied to a specific mile during the hiking journey

  • A personal note of gratitude

  • A shared connection to the effort of advancing gene therapy research for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta​​

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4. Gear / Supplies Sponsorship

Invest in our rare adventure

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Gear / Supply Sponsorships will receive:

  • Website recognition

  • Recognition tied to a specific social media post

  • Inclusion on the hiking flag

  • Inclusion on the hiking shirt

  • A shared connection to the effort of advancing gene therapy research for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta

 

5. Trail Supporter - $330 

Be a part of this journey and the mission behind it

 

Trail Supporters will receive:

  • Inclusion on the hiking flag

  • Shared connection to the effort of advancing gene therapy research for Mucolipidosis alpha/beta​

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TRACK THE JOURNEY

Latest Journey Updates

Our Sponsors

We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to advancing glycoproteinoses research and supporting our trans-continental trek.

SUPPORT RESEARCH

Your contribution directly fuels the next step in glycoproteinoses research. Join us in hiking for hope and scientific breakthroughs.

CONTRIBUTE ON GOFUNDME

HIKING FOR HOPE - DONATE NOW - SECOND STRIDE

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