From the Massachusettes Department of Developmental Services Newsletter:
Renee set a goal of hiking all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks several years ago. After each summit, she would return home and tell her daughter, Kendra, all about it – the thrill of being in the fresh air, the struggles over the challenging inclines, and finally, the elation of reaching the top and taking in the spectacular vista.
Kendra, who will turn 22 in December, was born with Rett Syndrome. She had never before been able to hike with her mother. But thanks to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)/DDS Residential Prevention Program, Renee and Kendra were given a “hike bike” that enabled Kendra to join her mom on her next hike, New Hampshire’s Mt. Williard. They set off from the trailhead last month with Renee’s husband, Kevin, and her sister, Cherie, pushing Kendra in her bike up the mountain and over the rocky terrain.
“I love getting her out in the community,” Renee said. “We’ve done four wheeling, ATVing, tubing. But she always wanted to hike with me, and thanks to DESE and DDS, it was finally possible.”
“I’m glad I was behind the camera when we reached the top so no one could see my tears,” Renee said. “Seeing Kendra’s face as she took in the view is something I’ll never forget. Summiting was amazing. We felt all the feels getting to the top.”
From Renee:
“We’re so proud to share this achievement with all of you! We reached the summit, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the funding we received from the DESE program. These funds helped us acquire our Huckleberry Hiking Equipment, which was absolutely crucial for our journey. Thank you for helping us get to the top!“