At Living Journeys, community is at the heart of everything we do. In 2025, that sense of community came to life in powerful ways through the Living Journeys Athlete Corps (LJAC), a group of dedicated individuals who chose to turn their passion for movement and the outdoors into meaningful support for our clients.
This past year, Living Journeys supported a record number of clients, offering care, compassion, and stability during some of life’s most challenging moments. This impact was made possible because of the incredible collective support of our community—especially the dedicated athletes of the Living Journeys Athlete Corps. Thank you for being part of this meaningful work!
Founded in 2020 by current Board President Pat O’Neill, the LJAC was created to harness the energy of our active, outdoors-loving community and channel it toward supporting Living Journeys’ mission. Whether running, hiking, biking, skiing, or taking on a personal fitness goal, LJAC athletes turn movement into meaningful impact.
In 2025, the Living Journeys Athlete Corps raised over $102,000 through the dedication, creativity, and commitment of LJAC athletes. Each mile, climb, pedal, and push made a real difference for local individuals and families.
First-time LJAC athlete Whitney Gilliam, partnered with Haglöfs and Aloe Up to offer fun and functional swag to supporters of her fundraiser.
In September, Whitney did “Everest in a Week.” Hitting 29,032 of vertical feet through running, hiking, and mountain biking. Whitney raised over $3,000 for Living Journeys during this incredible feat!
John Mahoney raced the Hellbender 100 in honor of Living Journeys clients and raised $11,700! He had such a successful campaign we had to increase his fundraising goal 3 times!
Pat O’Neill completed his final 100-mile race, raising $38,000 to support Living Journeys’ mission.
On May 8, 2025, Living Journeys Athlete Corps member Tshering Pemba Sherpa reached the summit of Mount Everest (29,032 feet), proudly carrying the Living Journeys flag in honor of all our cancer clients—a powerful symbol of hope and resilience that underscores our mission: no one faces cancer alone.
While fundraising totals are important, the true impact of LJAC is measured in people and lives touched.
To date, 25 LJAC athletes have led fundraisers in support of Living Journeys. Their collective efforts have provided essential resources for local clients, everything from nutritious meals and financial assistance to stability, dignity, and hope during incredibly difficult times.
Through their commitment, these athletes have helped ensure that neighbors and community members facing serious illness do not have to navigate those challenges alone. Their generosity has made a lasting difference in the place we are proud to call home.
As we look toward the coming year, Living Journeys is excited about the future of the Athlete Corps. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or someone looking for a new way to give back, there is a place for you in the Living Journeys Athlete Corps.
Fill out the form below if you are interested in join the Living Journeys Athletes Corps!