Aaron Jarrett walked 38.2 miles through the night on Dec. 23, and while the feat may seem crazy, he says it’s all for Make-a-Wish Colorado.
Jarrett braved zero-degree temperatures and high winds for 12 hours — still, it’s all about Make-a-Wish Colorado.
Jarrett carried a 30-pound pack and powered through pain throughout the walk — to help Make-a-Wish Colorado.
Jarrett, 54, of Conifer has made it a mission to raise money for the nonprofit for 30 years because the foundation grants wishes to terminally ill children.
“I just like their mission and what they do,” Jarrett said. “Life stops for families that have a kid who becomes ill. We have four healthy kids. I can’t imagine that happening to my family.”
His walk is raising money to send Thomas, a 6-year-old from Gunnison who has a brain tumor, to Jurassic Park at Universal Studios and to get 7-year-old Declan from Cañon City, who suffers from a rare disease, an above-ground swimming pool.
“We are so thankful for Aaron and other fundraisers like him, especially in such a challenging year when the pandemic has affected fundraising,” said Lauren Beede, vice president of development for Make-a-Wish Colorado. “Right now, we are working with over 400 eligible kids, and we continue to get referrals. Because of people like Aaron, we will be able to grant more life-changing wishes to Colorado kids in a timely manner.”
Beede said many wishes are on hold until families can travel safely, but once restrictions are lifted, granting those wishes will require a lot of resources to get children to their destinations.
A rucking life
Jarrett has been rucking — walking with a weighted pack — using it as a way to raise awareness and money for Make-a-Wish Colorado. An Army veteran, he brings along friends and his kids to join in the challenge.
Last year, he and his oldest son did a marathon in Pueblo for Make-a-Wish, raising almost $10,000. Jarrett finished 19 miles while carrying 100 pounds.
Two weeks ago, Jarrett had hoped to complete 50 miles, walking in the San Luis Valley where he was raised. He and his daughter, Layne, a 2019 Conifer High School graduate, along with friend Eric Hubbard of Evergreen decided to walk at night with Jarrett’s wife, Teri, driving behind in a vehicle with supplies.
“We decided we were going to raise awareness for these two little boys,” Jarrett said. “We wanted to do something, especially since fundraising events got canceled because of COVID. I know it’s a tough time to ask for money, but these boys deserve our help.”
The three started walking at 4 p.m. Dec. 23, and Jarrett said the cold temperature and brutal wind made the walk difficult.
“We did not prepare as well as we should have,” Jarrett said, noting that the water bladders they carried froze quickly, so they needed to stop for water from the vehicle. At 4:30 a.m. they ended their journey.
“This is one of the more difficult things I’ve ever done,” Jarrett said,” but you put a ruck on and keep walking.”
The Jarretts agreed that while the walk was daunting yet fun, it’s nothing compared to what families go through when a child has a terminal illness. They hope the public will step up and donate to their efforts.
What’s next for Aaron Jarrett? He’s contemplating a 100-mile ruck walk — to benefit Make-a-Wish Colorado.