We did not make it to Canada.
After a few days of rest in South Lake Tahoe, we drove to Redding. Our plan was to take a bus to Burney and get back on the trail.
Lotte was a little under the weather, so we took a few extra days in Redding. On Tuesday the 22nd, she got a high fever. When it had not abated by Thursday morning, she was admitted to the Emergency Room at Shasta Regional in Redding. They found a lung infection and unfortunately also a very high white blood cell count. That night, she was flown to the Intensive Care Unit at Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento, where they diagnosed her with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
She received excellent treatment, but they were unable to save her. And on Saturday, August 2nd, she passed away.
We often talked about how this hike was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. And I am grateful that we could work together on our common project and share our lives 24 hours a day in the last three months we got together.
These pictures share the joy Lotte felt during this journey. They will be valuable to your healing over the coming weeks, months, and years. I am sending you a hug.
Deepest condolences Sten, I have no words. I cannot image what you are going through right now. It is so good you shared such wonderful times together on your project. They will give you great memories.
Take care …
Oh my – I am so sorry at utterly shocked! As you may recall, my hiking buddy Boomerang and I saw you two ever so times just before and after Forrester Pass and I believe you met our friend Dennis (Hubba Hubba) at Onion Valley trailhead. This seems impossible to have happened! I am so so sorry for your loss.
I had the privilege of meeting Lotte back in 2012 through Jack Canfield’s train the trainer. Lotte had invited me to join her mastermind group which I’ve been a member of since 2012 as well. Lotte will be deeply missed by all of us. I’m glad Lotte was able to fulfill her dream of the cross country hike. My thoughts are with Sten and her two children.
My condolences to you, your children, and everyone she impacted in her life. I met Lottie through Jack Canfield’s trainings. She was special. Her zest for life will live on in every soul she touched.
Lotte made a huge difference to everyone she met. Her spirit is doing what it always did – soaring above. She will be missed
I was heartbroken to hear about Lotte’s passing. She was not only a friend but truly a therapist, with a rare warmth that made everyone feel valued. I will always remember her vibrance, her deep wisdom, and the care she poured into our RIM sessions. She inspired me with her grace, generosity, and joy. Knowing her has been a gift I will carry forward. My heartfelt sympathy to you, Sten.
Sten, I just learned about Lotte’s passing today while I am recovering in Ashland myself from what now seems quite a trivial matter. It was certainly a pleasure to see you both on trail in California, leap-frogging with you en route, at beautiful campsites, and sharing precious water sources. I’m saddened by the news about Lotte. You’re faced with a sudden shift in your plans, on many levels. I wish you peace as you bring all back into new perspectives going forward.
Best regards from “Data”
Dear everyone,
Thank you for your sympathy, it has meant a lot to me. The memorial service for Lotte will be on September 3rd in Hareskov Kirke.
Best regards
Sten
P.S. I have been asked if there is a way to honor Lotte’s memory with a donation. If you wish, you might consider supporting Soroptimist International, where Lotte was an active member. They work to empower women around the world. https://www.soroptimist.org/?form=SIADONATE&successUrl=https://go.soroptimist.org/thanks
Kære Sten
Det gør mig virkelig ondt at høre.
Lotte var et virkelig sødt og empatisk menneske.
Husker jer begge så tydeligt fra tiden på danseskolen i Værløse.
Jeg håber, du og jeres familie kommer bedst muligt igennem den
svære tid.
Dejligt I fik den store oplevelse med, selv om I desværre ikke nåede hele vejen. Fantastisk billeder med søde Lotte.
Kh Carsten (danselærer).