05/16/2026
To everyone following and supporting this journey thank you.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been preparing for what has become much more than just a trip to Alaska. This expedition has turned into a personal healing mission, a survival challenge, and a stepping stone toward building something bigger through Ala Aloha and future equestrian-assisted therapy outreach.
After enduring a second year of surgery recovery, financial setbacks, and time away from work as a self-employed artist and contractor, I reached a point where I knew I had to take a leap of faith instead of continuing to stand still.
I’ve invested everything I personally can into preparing for this expedition:
cold-weather survival gear, prospecting equipment, power systems, communications, waterproof clothing, safety equipment, and travel logistics. I’m officially all in.
The goal is not only to try and financially recover through hard work and opportunity, but also to document the entire experience honestly — the victories, setbacks, exhaustion, lessons, beauty, and healing that happen along the way.
This journey is directly connected to the bigger vision of Ala Aloha:
helping create pathways toward healing, reconnection, equestrian-assisted therapy access, veteran support, and trauma recovery through nature, animals, and meaningful experiences.
There are still several important needs remaining for safety, survival, emergency preparedness, food, transportation, and operational support once I arrive in Alaska. Any additional help from donors, friends, or supporters truly makes a difference right now and helps increase the chances of this expedition succeeding safely.
If you’ve already contributed, shared the campaign, encouraged me, or simply followed along,thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I’ll continue posting updates, photos, videos, and real moments from the expedition so everyone can follow the journey as it unfolds.
This is a huge leap for me.
Here’s to second chances, healing, hard work, and trying to build something meaningful from difficult seasons in life.
Stay tuned hold on to your seats, there’s bound to be some great adventure this is just beginning.
My name is Christian Ricks, and I am setting out on a unique journey that c… christian ricks needs your support for From Hawai‘i to Alaska: Building Ala Aloha
