I am no stranger to loss. In 1988, I lost my youngest brother, Michael, to cancer when he was just nine years old. In 1991, my brother Javier passed unexpectedly due to a sudden illness. The heartbreak continued as we lost my eldest brother, Art, in 2017, followed by my beloved mother, Lucy, in 2024. Most recently (updated since publishing this campaign), we said goodbye to our father, Stanley Jimenez.

As you might expect, life hasn't been easy for us. On a personal level, dealing with grief has become my reality. It's a battle I have fought daily for decades, and I have learned to live with it. However, I have found inner peace through a special bond I have formed with nature.

Over the years, despite experiencing profound loss, spending time outdoors has been immensely beneficial to my well-being. After losing my eldest brother, I was in a dark place, but a friend convinced me to join him on a hike that forever changed my perspective on dealing with grief.

It was no surprise, though. Hiking helps with grief by combining physical activity, which releases mood-lifting endorphins, with the calming effect of nature, which promotes tranquility and perspective. It encourages mindfulness by focusing on the present moment, allowing individuals to process emotions. Additionally, hiking can offer social support and companionship, providing a sense of community during difficult times.

I am now determined to share these transformative experiences with others who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The deaths of my siblings and mother have inspired me to help others going through grief, but I can’t do this alone and need your help.

Campaign Goal

We are currently hosting this fundraising campaign to support Come and Hike It. Your contributions will help us achieve several crucial objectives, including applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, creating branding and marketing materials, establishing our official website, acquiring essential gear, and developing our programs. All funds raised through this campaign will be dedicated solely to advancing the mission and goals of Come and Hike It.*

Our Mission

Come and Hike It has a mission is to empower individuals grieving the loss of a loved one by providing transformative hiking experiences and comprehensive resources. Through nature, support, and community, our goal is to guide them towards finding inner peace.

Our Programs

Our aim is to assist individuals in navigating grief by offering a diverse array of resources, including access to mental health support, destination-based hiking programs, essential knowledge and gear, and a supportive social network.

Donation Raffle - Winners Chosen on July 6th for results, visit: https://www.facebook.com/comeandhikeit

Your donations will create a lasting and powerful impact and as a token of our appreciation, we will be randomly selecting five winners for the following prizes on July 6th whether we meet our goal or not:

1st Place - Custom hand drawn human or pet portrait by Zoe Jimenez - Value $500
2nd Place - “Laney the Longhorn” mounted photo print 36” x 24” - Value $350
3rd Place - Private Hike at the beautiful Candlelight Ranch near Lago Vista, Texas
4th Place - Come and Hike It Mug and Decal set
5th Place - Come and Hike It Mug and Decal set

To learn more about Come and Hike It, visit www.ComeandHikeIt.org

Thank you for listening to my story.

Roland "Bones" Jimenez

In honor and memory of my brothers, Michael, Javier and Arturo and my dear mother, Lucia Jimenez.

*Please note that, at this time, donations to Come and Hike It are not tax-deductible. While we are registered as a nonprofit corporation in the state of Texas, we are currently in the process of obtaining tax-exempt status with the IRS. We will publish our nonprofit Tax ID once it becomes available. Additionally, a summary detailing how donated funds have been utilized will be made available in 2025.

Come and Hike It Kick-Starter Campaign

Help us help others find inner peace through hiking.