Hiking for those who cannot

A grueling hike from rim to rim of the Grand Canyon.

I'm raising money for National Ataxia Foundation

If you know me, you'll know this cause is incredibly close to my heart. My wife, Linda, lives with Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1. Watching her navigate the daily challenges of losing mobility and speech—while still showing up for others—is my greatest inspiration.

Linda and I started our non-profit in Omaha, Nebraska to help local families afford the care that insurance won't cover. Now, I’m taking that mission a step further by participating in the 2026 Xtreme Hike this October in support of National Ataxia Foundation.

The 2026 Xtreme Hike is a 23 mile hike from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim. This hike is an extremely physical challenge, but it’s nothing compared to the hurdles those with ataxia face every day. I am raising funds to support research and national advocacy, and I would be honored if you would consider supporting my trek.

How you can help:

If you’d like to help me reach my goal, you can visit my page and make a donation here: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/2026xtremehike/account/2350354/donate/. You can also leave a message for me about why you decided to donate – I’d love to hear from you!

If you can think of others who might be interested in making a donation, please forward this link to them or share it on social media!  National Ataxia Foundation is a great organization and you’d be helping them (and me!) by spreading the word. 

Thank you for standing with Linda, myself, and the entire Ataxia community.

Sincerely,

Mark "Skippy" Sidwell

When the body demands stillness, one woman chooses the wild. Against impossible odds, Linda takes on the ultimate test of human willpower: a brutal, single-day trek across the world’s most formidable abyss.

In a world that constantly tells us our limits, Linda is rewriting the rules. Diagnosed with Spinocerebellar Ataxia—a rare condition that wages war on balance, coordination, and every single step—she refuses to let her story be defined by a diagnosis. Instead, she sets her sights on a challenge that humbles elite athletes: 25 miles, 10,000 feet of punishing elevation change, and one single day to cross from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim. This epic adventure trailer captures the sweat, determination, and fiery resolve of a warrior in training. From early morning step-ups to steadying every stride against gravity itself, we watch Linda face the mountain long before she ever sets foot on the trail. Every drop of sweat, every moment of fatigue, and every deliberate, triumphant step brings her closer to the canyon floor. It is a high-stakes story not just of physical endurance, but of unbreakable spirit. Beyond the vast red rocks and dizzying depths lies a deeply personal crusade—a testament to love, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of the impossible.

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For more information on the National Ataxia Foundation, 

visit our website at ataxia.org

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My Supporters

  • shari mcintire 12 hours ago $104.00
  • Stacy Dunn 14 hours ago $46.80
  • Shelly VanDyke A day ago $52.00
  • Claudia Peterman From Claudia, Greg, & David, with love! 2 days ago $300.00
  • Pamela Wright 3 days ago $104.00
  • ken brown 2 weeks ago $1,040.00
  • Gina Mentzer 1 week ago $520.00
  • Pamela Perault 2 weeks ago $520.00
  • John Mauro Skippy, great production; keep them coming! Linda, there will never be anyone like you; it was a pleasure serving with you. You have made an impact on lives. Thank you to this amazing team 3 weeks ago $520.00
  • Home Keene Skippy, thanks for your unwavering support of NAF. So glad to know you and Linda and Cedric.  3 weeks ago $520.00