Steve Schwab, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Casago, is currently walking 200.4 miles from Phoenix to Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, Mexico, to raise money for the Mexico Children's Foundation. Schwab set out on October 9, 2026, and expects to reach Rocky Point in about 8-10 days. This year marks his 15th walk, a long-running tradition that underscores his commitment to the community that he credits with giving him his start.
The route follows State Route 85 south through Gila Bend and Ajo, across roughly 40 miles of open Sonoran Desert with no services, then crosses into Mexico for the final stretch to the Sea of Cortés. Despite storms this past week, locals have been joining him or pulling over to snap selfies, demonstrating the widespread support for his cause. The walk is not just a physical challenge but a powerful statement about the importance of children's health and well-being.
Schwab founded the Mexico Children's Foundation in 2003 to provide financial support for medical care and educational enrichment for children in Mexico. The foundation has funded life-saving procedures for children like Ana Paula Medina Gonzales, who was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in her head at age 7, and Sarahi Acedo, who needed a tracheostomy at birth and is now about to celebrate her quinceañera. These stories illustrate the tangible impact of the foundation's work and why Schwab continues to undertake this arduous journey year after year.
"People ask why I keep doing this. It's simple. 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," said Schwab. His background as a former Army Ranger and New Mexico State University graduate has equipped him with the resilience to complete such a grueling trek.
Schwab's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his professional achievements. He started SeaSide Reservations in Rocky Point, managing vacation homes for owners. The company later grew into Casago International, a vacation rental management franchise, and still operates locally as Casago Rocky Point. His success in business has enabled him to give back to the community that supported him from the beginning.
This year's fundraising goal is $70,000. As of October 12, the walk has raised $23,000, more than one-third of its goal. US donations are tax-deductible. Those wishing to contribute can do so through the foundation's donation page: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-a-childs-life-one-at-a-time. Every donation helps provide critical medical care and educational opportunities for children in need.
The Mexico Children's Foundation is a nonprofit founded by Steve Schwab that provides financial support for medical care and educational enrichment for children in Mexico. To learn more about the foundation's mission and impact, visit mexicochildrensfoundation.org. The walk is a testament to the power of one individual's dedication to making a difference in the lives of children, and it serves as an inspiration for others to contribute to this worthy cause.
