This May, while many of us were welcoming the signs of spring, Tristan Brownrigg was lacing up his boots for a very different kind of season – one that would take him across nearly 4,200 kilometers of rugged mountain terrain, through deserts, forests, and alpine passes, on one of the most iconic long-distance hikes in the world: the Pacific Crest Trail. 

Growing up in Ontario with his dad, Tristan developed a love of the outdoors, camping and canoeing, making hiking the Pacific Crest Trail a lifelong aspiration. Stretching from the southern border of the United States in California to Manning Park in British Columbia, the trail is a five-month test of endurance, resilience, and planning. It’s also Tristan’s way of giving back. He’s turning a lifelong dream into a meaningful mission by fundraising for Parkinson Canada – a cause close to his heart. His father-in-law, Ron, lives with Parkinson’s and has been actively involved with the organization. 

“I’ve always wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail,” Tristan says.

“It felt like the right time in my life to finally do it – and the right opportunity to do some good with it, too.” 

Each day on the trail, Tristan is covering the distance of a marathon, relying on his backcountry skills, his love of the outdoors, and a carefully planned series of resupply stops to keep going. From camping with just a lightweight tent and trekking poles to hitching into small towns for food, his journey is as logistically complex as it is physically demanding. But that doesn’t stop him from sharing his progress along the way through his personal Instagram account – giving family, friends, and supporters a glimpse into trail life. 

“Everyone says the same thing – they wish they documented their trek more,” he explains. “So I’m trying to capture those daily moments, the hard ones and the beautiful ones, and share the journey as it happens.” 

While the connection to Parkinson’s wasn’t part of the original plan, it’s turned out to be a fitting one. “Mobility is such a big part of Parkinson’s. And for me, this hike is about using my mobility while I have it – doing as much as I can with what I’ve got.” 

It’s a philosophy that reflects the experiences of many in the Parkinson’s community – finding strength in movement, resilience in the face of change, and purpose in action. 

Check out Tristan’s journey on his Parkinson Canada Fundraising Your Way campaign 

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