New year. New mountain. Same reason. With a twist of Dad.

As many of you know, I succeeded in climbing 29029 feet (the vertical equivalent of Mt. Everest) in 36 hours in Sun Valley, ID as part of The Kyle Pease Foundation’s fundraising team. Despite 20 weeks of intense training, it was still incredibly challenging. I got sick on the mountain more than once and couldn't climb for about 6 hours. I only slept for 2.5 hours before attempting 7 more ascents. But I knew there was no way I was going to quit. Several thoughts kept me going. One being: keep pushing for all the KPF athletes with disabilities who aren't able to climb this mountain, who fight each and every day to simply live their lives, who fight to be included in all aspects of society.

It was supposed to be a one and done experience. Or at least, one done and several years until the next. Haha. But here I am. Back again. 

After another year spent getting to know more KPF athletes and their families and continuing to witness the life-enhancing impact the Foundation has on them, I’m proud to train for and attempt another Everest in an effort to again raise $9000 for The Kyle Pease Foundation. This time, in Stratton, VT.

But there’s another special “why” attached to this challenge for me. Since my dad died in 2009, his birthday on October 24 has typically been a sad day. But this year, it will be the day I begin my climb to 29029 feet. This year, he will be climbing with me on his birthday.

The first family trip I remember was to Vermont when I was 5. We lived in Florida and went with all of my dad’s family from Long Island. My first time in snow. And seeing icicles. And staying with my parents, sister, grandparents and all my aunts, uncles and cousins in the same bed & breakfast. It was magical. 

I can’t wait to find magic in Vermont again this October. And I hope you'll consider making a donation to support inclusion during my journey from now till then.   

Ricardo Aranda, KPF athlete - “Just b/c we have a disability and just because we’re in these chairs, we’re not charity cases. And we’re not meant to be inspirations. Not at least in the way you think of us being inspirations. What IS inspirational is if you take what you saw and learn from it. Which is - include us.”

Incredible videos illustrating KPF's mission to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports and beyond:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWQiGFIy42U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW22ChKchp8 

**All donations are 100% tax-deductible. If your company matches donations (so many do!), please consider asking for that match and doubling your donation. (If the matched donation can’t be made directly to my page, please reach out and I will share another way.)**