Inspiring Tale of a Lupus Patient Who Hiked the Pacific Crest Trail
Lupus is, by definition, a non-specific autoimmune disease, given that the main cause of its symptoms is the production of antibodies which target the body’s cells which, in turn, may belong to any structure. Consequently, the disease often manifests as inflammatory lesions on many parts of the patient’s body. Though it’s mostly random and can vary from patient to patient, lupus frequently affects the patient’s kidneys, skin, and mucous membranes, as well as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, nervous, and respiratory systems. However, in some extreme circumstances, the disease may spread to vital structures such as the spine, and the subsequent lesions they produce can severely cripple the patient by removing their ability to walk, interact with the environment, or by causing extreme pain at all times.
This is what happened to Stacey Kozel, a woman from Medina, Ohio who's symptoms of lupus eventually crippled her from the waist down. However, her symptoms did not stop her from achieving something that some outdoor enthusiasts would not even have on their resume. With leg braces, Stacey has managed to hike the entirety of the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada and is around 2,659 miles long!
The Woman, The Legend
Stacey Kozel was a regular woman from Medina, Ohio. She spent most of her teen years living life like a normal teenager would, although Stacey had a particular affinity for practicing sports. She loved working out, keeping herself active, and generally spending her time outdoors. However, that all came to an end when, in a twisted turn of fate, she began to struggle with the early symptoms of lupus. Despite suffering from the condition for some years, Stacey received her formal diagnosis when she was 19 years old and, from this point onwards, her life would never be the same.
Of the many diseases that can seriously cripple a person, lupus is one of those that, if left unchecked or untreated by a professional. Lupus — formally known as systemic lupus erythematosus — is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. It is a chronic condition which is also, as its name implies, systemic, as it can affect and spread to any and all organs in the body. Furthermore, it is a heterogeneous disease, as the clinical spectrum of its symptoms is often varied and can seldom manifest in the same way on two individuals. Luckily, this condition is usually very mild, and even more so if the patient is diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. However, if left unchecked, lupus can spread to vital organs and compromise their functionality to the point of shutting them down, which can bring about potentially fatal consequences.
Such was the case for Stacey in 2014. She was hospitalized for an unusual symptomatic episode; the disease had spread to her spinal cord and with it, she lost her ability to move. Sadly, the episode affected not only her legs but also her arms. She only retained a small amount of mobility on her left arm but required assistance to perform even the most basic tasks, as the remaining limbs were utterly paralyzed. For a while, it appeared that Stacey would be permanently disabled due to the effects of her lupus. Regardless, through grueling physical therapy on a daily basis, and through the hard work of the staff and herself, Stacey managed to recover some of her strength and regained mobility in both her arms.
Still, her legs never seemed to recover and Stacey, who was very fond of the great outdoors up until her diagnosis, had no idea where her life was heading now that she could not walk at all. She would spend most of her time dreaming of being outside once again, basking in nature’s glory, only to suffer rude awakenings every time she fell out of sleep and discovered she was still stuck in her bed.
In the midst of an emotional storm, and in no small part a measure of pain, Stacey had an epiphany. She missed being outside; so why not just go outside? Once she recovered enough strength on her arms through physical and occupational therapy and was fitted with special leg braces that would allow a degree of mobility in her legs, she went home, feeling free for the first time in what felt like an entire lifetime in a bed.
Soon after leaving, even the outdoors of her local neighborhood fell short to Stacey’s insatiable wanderlust. So, in 2016, she challenged the Appalachian Trail, a popular destination for hardcore hiking enthusiasts that spans a total of 2,190 miles from start to finish. Suffice to say, Stacey completed this stretch of territory with flying colors, though suffering many hardships and setbacks. Nevertheless, she assured that even the worst, most painful days of the hike were better than the best times she spent in the hospital, and this thought is what gave her the strength to continue onward until the end.
However, when it comes to motivated individuals like Stacey, one seemingly insurmountable challenge is rarely enough to satisfy the hankering for adventure. This is why this year, just 3 years after she lost mobility, and 1 year after conquering the Appalachian Trail, Stacey went on to challenge the Pacific Crest Trail, which starts down in the south of California, travels north passing through Oregon, and ends in northern Washington, in the U.S. - Canadian border. The total distance traveled was even bigger than the Appalachian Trail, totaling a whopping 2,650 miles, which Stacey completed from March to September of this very same year.
Stacey claims that she hikes in order to prevent lupus from controlling her life. The symptoms are still there, and the pain is definitely there to stay. However, Stacey refuses to surrender control and steadily holds her ground against whatever symptoms her condition has in store for her. In this sense, every mile she will hike, in whatever trail she might challenge next, is a victory not only against lupus but for herself as a strong, independent woman.
