From the Trail to the Heart: Why i climb the peak
When my colleague and friend Sarah first shared her idea of hiking up Pats Peak to raise funds for MS and bring awareness to the local community, I was immediately in. I had seen firsthand the impact MS had on Sarah—how it slowly began robbing her of the joy she once found hiking the mountains of New Hampshire.
During the pandemic, I had caught the hiking bug myself. So the idea of getting outside, supporting a friend, and raising awareness for a disease I admittedly didn’t know much about felt like an easy yes. What I didn’t realize then was just how profoundly that first hike—and the journey that followed—would impact my life.
Sarah has been an inspiration to me for years. She went from my cube neighbor at work to a fierce outdoor race competitor. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. A few years before that first Climb the Peak, I wouldn’t have dreamed of hiking Pats Peak. I was overweight, and even climbing stairs felt like a challenge. But Sarah was on a health kick journey to be the best version of herself, and watching her transformation lit a fire under me. I began my own wellness journey, getting outdoors, running, and hiking.
Her climb of Mt. Washington became a personal motivator—and ultimately led me to chase the 48 4,000-footers in the White Mountains. That first climb in 2022 brought together 28 people. It might sound small, but the impact was anything but. Sarah and her team organized an amazing event—a thoughtful mix of community, information, inspiration, and accomplishment. Local support was strong, with donated raffle prizes and heartfelt participation. It felt like the start of something truly meaningful.
Shortly after that first hike, my world changed. My oldest daughter, Bevin, was diagnosed with MS. Sarah was the first person I called. She immediately pointed us toward the right resources, including Dr. Cabot —a phenomenal doctor who gave us not just a treatment plan but hope. Suddenly, Climb the Peak wasn’t just Sarah’s cause—it was ours.
The second climb was bigger—two to three times the size—with even more energy. My wife, my youngest daughter, and Bevin newly diagnosed with MS all joined me. Despite a rainy morning, spirits were high. The lodge was buzzing with activity, and the rain even held off long enough for a group photo. That year, we raised over $30,000. A representative from the National MS Society shared insights into the cutting-edge research happening worldwide—research made possible, in part, by events like this.
Fast forward to the third Climb the Peak—held on June 8, 2025. We had clear skies, sunshine, and around 160 climbers. I arrived at 8:30 a.m. to a packed parking lot full of Jeeps, excited hikers, and a base lodge alive with energy. There was music from a DJ, smiling volunteers, a dancing unicorn (the climbs mascot), games, raffle prizes, and a Colombian street food truck serving up incredible eats. The day had a carnival feel, but it was rooted in something powerful: community, compassion, and commitment. As stories were shared back at the lodge—stories of how MS affects individuals and their families—the energy turned from celebration to reflection and resolve.
Sarah made a big announcement: the launch of Locke’s Promise, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and offering support so that no one has to face MS alone. Sarah and her team continue to show us what it means to turn a life-altering diagnosis into action, advocacy, and hope. Their work through Climb the Peak and Locke’s Promise is nothing short of inspiring. So I invite you to please—join us on June 7, 2026, as we lace up our hiking boots once again.
Let’s climb, let’s support, and let’s take another step forward toward a world free of MS.
Author: Brian Ahern
This snapshot captures the unforgettable Climb the Peak 2024—where the rain poured, everyone was drenched, but the unstoppable spirit and determination of every participant soared higher than ever! 🧡