LaToya wrote us on facebook to express her appreciation for her Eastsport backpack. It is stories like this that keep us connected with our customers and we are truly grateful for the opportunity.
LaToya’s story starts in 1999, when her mom bought her first—and only—Eastsport backpack. The black, pink, and cream colors felt cool, distinctive, and unforgettable.
Since then, she’s “traveled and experienced life with my backpack.”
It went with her to Disney World for the first time in 2002. It was there during high school, including ambulance rides with her sick mother. It followed her to Baylor University in 2003, then across Europe—to London, Ireland, and Scotland—for a study abroad program in 2007, where she even watched the Tour de France pass by at Victoria Station.
The backpack moved with her through every stage of life—her first apartment in San Antonio for grad school at St. Mary’s, an internship in Washington, DC, and then to Malibu, where she attended Pepperdine University and experienced life in Los Angeles, from the Hollywood Hills to Disneyland.
Eventually, it made its way with her to Alexandria, Virginia, where she began working as a federal employee.
Along the way, it was there for everything—family milestones, reunions, vacations, her first cruise, and countless theme parks. It was even there on her wedding day.
Now, it stays by her side during every hospital visit as she battles Lupus, carrying her essentials just as it always has.
In her own words -
“This backpack is not just filled with things I need—it’s filled with memories.”
"Thank you all so much for making a truly great product. It has gotten me through some of the best and worst times of my life. And I am glad to have made the journey with him. Next year, 2019 in August I will celebrate 20yrs with this backpack. So far he has visited 4 countries, and 21 states with me. I can’t wait to see where we go next!"
After 22 years and a lifetime of memories, LaToya’s backpack was lost during a recent move. It held deep emotional significance, especially as she had planned to bring it to what she hoped would be her final Lupus appointment.
"Thank you so much Eastsport for making such quality products. You have no idea how much that backpack meant to me. Thank you."
Thank you, LaToya, for sharing your story and allowing us to be part of your journey.
Latoya’s backpack journey is a beautiful reminder of all the cherished family moments we’ve shared together. Every trip, whether it’s a vacation or a family cruise, has been filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories. This backpack symbolizes those experiences, carrying not just items but the warmth of family bonds and the joy of exploring the world together. As she embarks on new adventures, may it continue to remind her of our love and the amazing times we’ve had as a family. Here’s to many more journeys filled with wonderful memories!