Forward by Kelly Pantaleoni,

Give Backpackers CEO

 
On New Years Day of 2017, those of us blessed enough to know the majesty that was Lindsay Marie Hawley tragically lost a best friend, a daughter, a warrior. Heaven gained a real life earth Angel, and our lives were forever changed. Words cannot describe the brilliant light that Lindsay shined onto every being and situation that was lucky enough to be graced with her presence. She inspired so many of us to be better, do better, want better -for ourselves and the world around us. So it was a divine responsibility I felt so grateful to endow, to continue on her legacy of inspiring others and Giving Back to those in my community and around the planet. Carrying the torch for Lindsay with her philanthropic mission has at times been overwhelming and triggering as I came to grips with the loss of a mentor and best friend, but she has paved the way to live my truth in ways I never dreamed possible. It’s also thanks to all of you; her friends, supporters, family and fans that keep this mission going. 

Give Backpackers has been an honor and a privilege to take over with the help of her like-minded allies and generous sponsors, with our first trip post-Linz going back to Cambodia to follow her footsteps through Myanmar, Thailand and India, volunteering as she did along the way. Since then, I became CEO and took her ambitious organization to a 501c3 status non profit corporation in 2019 before embarking on a life changing Uganda mission trip, where we empowered women and children in a remote village with a sustainable sewing program she dreamed up many years prior. I cannot tell you how much it means to me and her family that we are keeping this purposeful pursuit alive for her. Lindsay’s legacy lives on with every mission trip, woman and child we empower, fundraiser and donation towards making this world a better place. Lindsay may not be here physically anymore, but her memory will never fade as the ripples of her good work live through all of us today, and the generations of those touched by her magic.
If we could all achieve even a fraction of what Lindsay did in her lifetime, this planet would be a happier place. So I hope you can always remember, to Live More Happy, and live like Lindsay.

In her exact words: