A Rucking Fundraiser to Lighten the Load of the Caregiving Journey

Campaign Goal:

Secure enough "Carriers" to carry the 400% increase in men receiving our support (a "Carrier" is anyone providing Jack's with a recurring monthly gift).

To achieve this, we need 128 Carriers by September 19th, 2026. We're at 32. We need 96 more to carry the four-fold increase in men we are supporting since Oprah told our story in 2025.

Campaign Background:

"Carry That Weight" is Jack’s Caregiver Coalition’s annual rucking fundraiser honoring caregivers and those learning to live after loss.

Caregiving's weight is real. Rucking — walking with weight — symbolizes the load caregivers carry every day, and reminds them they don't have to carry it alone.

Each step, each pound carried, and each dollar raised helps build a stronger community of support — for caregivers, for grieving men, and for anyone who has ever carried something too heavy for one person.

We ruck in remembrance.
We ruck in solidarity.
We ruck so that the next caregiver’s load is lighter.

Because this journey is hard. And together, we carry that weight.

Start a Team. Carry It Together.

Rally your friends, family, coworkers, or organization and carry the weight together, wherever you are.

The heart of Carry That Weight 2026 is Carriers:

• Every new Carrier — anyone who starts a recurring monthly gift at any amount — adds one pound to Kyle's ruck on September 19.
• As the weight builds, team leaders around the country step in to help carry it, each rucking their own route in their own city. That's the point — no one carries it alone.
  

Your team's job is simple: recruit, fundraise, and invite people to become Carriers. Any amount counts. One new Carrier, one more pound. 

Event Details

Weight:  Weight: Optional — a rucksack, a vest, a back pack, or whatever you've got. Or simply carry the weight of your body. The weight is symbolic. The showing up is not. 

No competition. Just community and a shared commitment to lighten the load.

Who Can Participate?

Everyone is welcome. No experience or special gear is needed and you don't need to be a caregiver to participate.

Come solo, bring a friend, or start a team. This event is open to all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. Join us in Minnesota or ruck your own route from anywhere in the country — every Rucker counts, wherever you are.

What is Rucking? And What Do I Need For It?

Rucking is simply walking with weight. During Carry That Weight, that weight symbolizes the emotional, physical, and invisible load caregivers carry every day. Rucking is OPTIONAL, simply carrying your own weight is enough. Showing up is what matters.

What to bring:

• Closed-toe shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Water bottle
• Insect repellant
• Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
• Rain jacket/poncho (the event is rain or shine)
  

Don't have a rucking vest and want one? You can order a weight of your choosing HERE. Note: We do not recommend putting weights into a backpack not designed for rucking as this could result in injury.

Can’t Make It In Person?

You don't have to be in Minnesota to Carry That Weight. 

On event day:

• Join your team’s planned route in your own city, or ruck solo from wherever you live.
• Pick a route, strap on whatever weight you have, and walk.
• Share your photos using #CarryThatWeight and tag @jackscaregiverco.

Your primary ask is the same as on-site teams: invite your network to become Carriers. Any amount. One new Carrier, one more pound. 

Whether you’re across town or across the country, you can help lighten the load for caregivers everywhere.

Team Fundraising & Prizes

In 2026, the heaviest carry isn't miles or weight plates — it's becoming a Carrier. A monthly gift that shows up for caregivers long after September 19.

In 2026, the heaviest “carry” isn’t just miles or plates, but rather ongoing, sustaining support.

• Teams that add the most pounds by recruiting the most new Carriers will receive special prizes and recognition.
•  We'll also celebrate teams that help us hit campaign milestones — like "25th Carrier added to the pound count."
  

Special shoutout to this year's volunteer team, Team Samurai!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship is an opportunity to honor caregivers in your workplace, organization, community, and family — and to become a Carrier of this mission at an organizational level 

Sponsors are recognized as Carriers on event signage, promotional materials, and during opening remarks, and may host a branded presence at the event.