Episode #30 - Jean Sobus (Sicilian Gypsy)

When Jean Sobus decided that she was going to hike the Appalachian Trail, she didn't let a little thing like plantar fasciitis stand in her way. In much the same way, stage 3 breast cancer wasn't going to deter her from the Pacific Crest Trail. Jean's solution to obstacles and negativity is to go for a very long walk. Her adventures included a 60-mile walk through the night, fueled by espresso milkshake, and an encounter with what she believed to be a mountain lion. She suffered spine fractures while undergoing chemo to treat her cancer, yet chose to find her cures on the trails of America, inspiring others with her fight. The picture below was taken just after finishing the Appalachian Trail, when she'd discovered her cancer diagnosis. One week later, she lost all her hair. Undeterred, Jean took part in bike rides to raise money for charity, and this speech is a great example of her refusal to be defined, or even slowed, by her cancer. She even shared a video of her dancing in a gorgeous blond wig and removing it mid dance. Battling her illness all the way, she completed the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, two thirds of the way to a Triple Crown. You can email Jean at sobusjean@gmail.com , and find her on Facebook . Jessa, or Atticus, is now past the 150-mile mark and continues to show her sunny disposition as she makes her way north. This week, she's about to climb into the Smokies. Remember to follow her blog , which she updates regularly. Clay Bonnyman Evans gives us his fears before setting out, with rain right at the top of the list. As you can read in Clay's blog , he needn't have worried. Thanks to those of you who have supported the show at Patreon . I truly appreciate it.