Surviving and Thriving: One Brave Woman Hikes 100 Miles to Support Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Kristina Folcik, a record-holding endurance athlete, didn’t just hike a 100 miles non-stop across New Hampshire’s Appalachian Trail for the challenge. She also had a greater purpose — to help herself heal after experiencing years of domestic abuse.

Before the trek, Kristina posted her plans on social media and dedicated her venture to other survivors of domestic abuse. She was unaware, however, of just how vast her impact would be.

After sharing her story online, other women began to reach out to her with their own stories of abuse, both privately with Kristina, and publicly online.

Sensing an opportunity to promote change, Kristina turned her hike into a fundraiser. She asked her supporters to donate to Starting Point, a non-profit organization in New Hampshire that helped her leave an abusive relationship. It was not until Kristina had successfully completed the hike 36 hours later that she realized she had raised more than $1,000.

Not only did Kristina become the first person to ever finish that portion of the Appalachian Trail in a single trek, achieving an incredible athletic feat — but by having the courage to speak out about her past trauma, she also made a difference in the lives of others. Kristina’s strength is an inspiration and reflects the kind of determination that Granite Staters are known for. I am proud to recognize her as September’s Granite Stater of the Month.

Do you know a Granite Stater who should be next month’s Granite Stater of the Month? Nominate them here.