I am sharing the beginning of their story here and providing a link at the bottom to take you to their site and read it all for yourself.
My Kalispell Story
Note to the reader: This account reflects a desire for autonomy and freedom. It is not an expression of self-harm or suicidal intent, and interpretations suggesting otherwise are incorrect.
My name is Jarod. In November 2018, I flew to Kalispell, Montana from Texas with one goal: to vanish into the mountains north of the city and live on my own terms. A cab dropped me off at the post office in Trego, about 50 miles north, with a 110-liter backpack on my back and an 18″ × 36″ duffel over my shoulder—50 pounds of gear that reminded me I’d overpacked, but I didn’t care. I have cerebral palsy, mild but still real. That didn’t make me weak, it didn’t make me incapable. I set out with determination, carrying every ounce of my will along with my gear. I was inspired by Chris McCandless, the man who abandoned society and ran to Alaska to live in the wilderness—whose story is told in the book and film, Into the Wild. I wanted what he had: freedom, solitude, and autonomy. I wasn’t reckless. I wasn’t suicidal. I wasn’t naive. I wanted control over my life, my choices, my path—even in the face of death.
