The famous Croatian sociologist, author of numerous bestsellers, and dedicated humanitarian, Bruno Šimleša, has embarked on a life adventure that tests the limits of human endurance, all with one noble goal – to provide support to those who need it most. For the third month now, Šimleša has been hiking one of the most demanding and famous hiking trails in the world, the legendary Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). His incredible undertaking, which stretches for a staggering 4300 kilometers, is not just a personal challenge, but a powerful humanitarian mission aimed at raising funds for women suffering from cancer and for fulfilling the dreams of individuals through the work of two extremely important organizations.

More than hiking: A 4300-kilometer mission

Currently, after three months of an exhausting but inspiring journey, he is in the state of Oregon, preparing for the final, but no less difficult, section through the state of Washington. The final goal, the border with Canada, is still approximately 1300 kilometers away. Every step he takes on this epic trail, which stretches from the Mexican to the Canadian border, has a deeper meaning. The collected funds are intended for the work of the "SVE za NJU" association, which provides invaluable and free psychological support to women facing a cancer diagnosis, and for the "Ljiljana Pranjić – Live Your Dreams" foundation, which helps individuals achieve their life goals and wishes. Šimleša, who has so far walked an impressive three thousand kilometers, proves that willpower and altruism are drivers that can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. His dedication is inspiring and serves as a reminder of the importance of community and solidarity.

Pacific Crest Trail: A trail of heroes and tribulations

The Pacific Crest Trail is not just a hiking trail; it is a phenomenon, a symbol of endurance and wild, untamed nature. It gained worldwide fame thanks to Cheryl Strayed's bestseller and its subsequent Hollywood film adaptation, "Wild," starring Reese Witherspoon. The film inspired thousands of people to try their hand at this trail, but the reality of the PCT is far harsher than the movie screen. The statistics are relentless – only one in five hikers who start this journey manages to finish it. The trail passes through some of the most spectacular, but also most dangerous, landscapes of the United States. It begins in the dry and hot deserts of Southern California, climbs to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, passes through the dense forests of Northern California and Oregon, and ends in the rugged mountains of Washington. Hikers face extreme temperatures, dehydration, dangerous wild animals, swollen icy rivers, and unpredictable weather conditions.

“So far, I have walked three thousand kilometers, and I still have about a thousand kilometers to go because the trail starts from the Mexican border and goes all the way to the Canadian border. I have passed through deserts, snowy passes and icy rivers at three to four thousand meters above sea level, as well as burned areas in Northern California. This journey is demanding, interesting, but above all - beautiful. As I always like for all my adventures to have a humanitarian part, this one is no exception,” pointed out Šimleša, whose determination does not waver despite all the challenges.

From desert heat to icy rivers: Šimleša's daily life

Šimleša's daily life on the trail is a marathon of endurance. He covers between 30 and 50 kilometers a day, which requires extraordinary physical and mental strength. His journey has taken him through the incredible contrasts of the American continent. He experienced the merciless heat of the Mojave Desert, where temperatures reach extreme highs and water is a precious commodity. He then climbed to altitudes of over four thousand meters in the Sierra Nevada, where he battled snowdrifts and dangerous crossings over swollen rivers whose temperature was just a few degrees above zero. He also survived encounters with burned areas in Northern California, silent and ghostly witnesses to the power of nature. Such conditions take a toll on the body; Bruno lost 12 kilograms during the trip, which speaks volumes about the physical demands of this undertaking. However, he also emphasizes the other, more beautiful side of the story. “I felt a similar surge of support during this trail thanks to many unknown, wonderful people who took the time to help me and make my journey easier,” he said, emphasizing the spirit of community that prevails among hikers and the local population, the so-called "trail angels," who selflessly help the hikers.

The heart of the humanitarian mission: Supporting those who need it most

This is not the first time that Šimleša has turned his adventures into humanitarian actions. During 2021 and 2022, as part of his first two major adventures, he walked the Via Adriatica, a trail longer than 1000 kilometers from Istria to Prevlaka. On that occasion, thanks to public support, he collected an impressive 75,000 euros, securing crucial funds to provide psychological help to women suffering from cancer. This year's action, although on another continent, has the same noble goal. In the first stage of the American adventure, the goal is to collect 15,000 euros for the "SVE za NJU" association. As the journey continues, donations will be directed to the "Ljiljana Pranjić – Live Your Dreams" foundation. Anyone who wants to support this action can do so by donating through the Do the right thing platform.

Steps that change lives

Breast cancer is the most common cancer site in women in Croatia, and the devastating data show that every day more than eight women receive this difficult diagnosis. In the fight against the disease, physical treatment is only part of the process. Psychological support, for both the patients and their families, is of crucial importance for the outcome of the treatment and the quality of life. This is precisely the key role played by the "SVE za NJU" association, which provides a safe haven and professional help to those who are struggling the most. As Šimleša says, the fight against cancer is in itself a great journey that is always easier to walk with support.

On the other hand, the "Ljiljana Pranjić – Live Your Dreams" foundation is named after a woman who became a symbol of an unbreakable will to live. Ljiljana bravely fought cancer for 21 years, and with her positive attitude and strength, she inspired everyone around her. The foundation continues her mission, providing financial aid and support to people who want to take a step towards realizing their dreams, regardless of what they may be – from education and starting a business to travel and artistic projects. Šimleša's steps through the wilderness of America thus become steps of hope for many in Croatia, proving that human kindness knows no borders.