talked about the joys and challenges of the journey

Covered more than 100 km

The woman carrying a strong message aims not only to educate Lithuanian society about disability, to normalize it and to inspire people with disabilities to dare to achieve their goals, but also to emphasize the benefits and importance of dog assistants for disabled people in their daily work.

“This trip is not only a personal victory, but also a great inspiration. Ajana is an example of the fact that a disability, in this case a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, does not limit the possibilities of achieving dreams and goals”, says Jurga Klimaitė – Riebling, helper of the hiker.

A. Lolat-Pažarauskienė, who started the journey with crutches, has already covered over 100 km and visited the “Zyplių dvaro oficina” hotel in Šakių district, located on the premises of Zyplių dvaro, where she not only rested her tired legs from the hike, but also met a large group of Lukšians and others supporters of her idea in Šakii district.

The latter welcomed the marcher very warmly, with greetings and songs.

“Meeting Ajana was a kind of magical moment. Everyone was sincerely waiting for her, came to hug her and congratulate her for her courage to decide on such a life adventure”, says Skaistė Bakienė, a member of the Lukšiai community.

During the evening, the hiker shared her life stories, travel impressions, difficulties that she often has to face, but at the same time highlighting the purpose of her efforts, faith and determination, which help to overcome even the biggest obstacles or break the limits set by society.

“He is an inspiring person who has been through many experiences, even now he faces great challenges, but he continues to strive to be a strong person who motivates other people with disabilities.” We heard the story and about the initiative of the dog assistant fund itself, the extraordinary abilities of the animal and its reckless help in performing daily tasks and strengthening the emotional health of such people”, says S. Bakienė.

A visit to Zypliai is also a special stop for Ajana, where she met her longed-for husband and her assistant, the werewolf Mulan.

Adventures and new experiences

A. Lolat-Pažarauskienė, who travels from her hometown Usėnai to Druskininkai on foot, does not hide that this hike is a real challenge, full of surprises: “A surprise can await you at every step, from unexpected bad weather conditions or home-made delicacies brought by your mother to new acquaintances.”

However, the journey is not complete without a wide variety of sensations and emotions, which, according to her, inspires not to give up in pursuit of one’s goal: “Due to high physical activity, one has to face such discomforting sensations as hand pains caused by constant holding of crutches, blisters on the feet, or blood on your fingers. There are difficulties related to emotional feelings, not knowing where to spend the night, longing for a husband and home,” she shares her feelings.

Ajana’s “Walk of Dreams” began on the morning of April 9, in her hometown of Usėni. In total, the trip will last as much as 320 km through Lithuania, and the end of the trip is predicted on May 20. Druskininkai.