Steve Schwab, founder and chairman of the board of Casago, is walking 200.4 miles from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, to raise funds for the Mexico Children's Foundation. The walk began on October 9, 2026, and is expected to conclude in about 8-10 days. The route follows State Route 85 south through Gila Bend and Ajo, traverses roughly 40 miles of open Sonoran Desert with no services, and then crosses into Mexico for the final stretch to the Sea of Cortés. Despite recent storms, locals have joined him or pulled over to take selfies, highlighting the community support for his cause.
Schwab's commitment stems from a deep personal connection to the region. "Rocky Point gave me my start, and the community became my family. When I founded the Mexico Children's Foundation back in 2003, the walk was an opportunity to make a statement that children are our future and no child should be left behind because of medical or economic challenges," he said. This year marks his 15th walk, a long-running tradition that has provided life-saving procedures for children like Ana Paula Medina Gonzales, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor at age 7, and Sarahi Acedo, who needed a tracheostomy at birth and is now preparing to celebrate her quinceañera.
The foundation's impact extends beyond individual cases, offering financial support for medical care and educational enrichment for children across Mexico. Schwab, a former Army Ranger and New Mexico State University graduate, started SeaSide Reservations in Rocky Point, managing vacation homes. That venture grew into Casago International, a vacation rental management franchise that still operates locally as Casago Rocky Point. His entrepreneurial success has fueled his philanthropic efforts, demonstrating how business leaders can leverage their resources to drive social change.
This year's fundraising goal is $70,000. As of October 12, the walk has raised $23,000, more than one-third of the goal. US donations are tax-deductible and can be made through the foundation's donation page: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-a-childs-life-one-at-a-time. For more information about the foundation's work, visit mexicochildrensfoundation.org.
The significance of this event lies in its dual impact: raising crucial funds for pediatric medical care and raising awareness about the ongoing needs of children in Mexico. It also underscores the role of cross-border philanthropy and community engagement. As Schwab continues his journey, his efforts inspire others to contribute to a cause that directly saves lives and supports families facing medical and economic hardships. The walk not only funds immediate medical interventions but also strengthens ties between the United States and Mexico, proving that individual actions can create lasting change.
