I’m preparing to attempt Mount Everest in spring 2028.

This is the next chapter of a much bigger story—one I’m calling Summit of Second Chances.

WHO — A little more about the person behind DOPE

I’m Doug Brock—a combat veteran with more than two decades of military service, a heart failure survivor, an endurance athlete, and the founder of DOPE LLC. Alongside surviving heart failure, I’ve navigated PTSD, depression, anxiety, heart break when I least expected it, and the challenges of transitioning into civilian life. Rebuilding has meant accepting help, finding purpose, and learning to believe in what comes next.

WHAT — Summit of Second Chances

I’m building a mountaineering and fundraising campaign that connects my recovery with a mission to support veterans. Through training, expeditions, and storytelling, I want to turn the second chance I received into encouragement and meaningful support for others still fighting their own battles.

WHEN — The road to spring 2028

Training and preparation are underway, with progressive expeditions planned before an Everest summit attempt in spring 2028. Each stage will build the skills and experience needed for the next, guided by professional expedition support and appropriate medical and cardiology clearances.

WHERE — One mountain at a time

The planned journey begins with Cotopaxi and Cayambe in Ecuador (January 2027) followed by Manaslu in Nepal (September 2027), before ultimately heading to Mount Everest. I’ll be sharing the preparation, challenges, and lessons along the way.

WHY — Making my second chance count

Surviving heart failure changed the way I think about my future. After years of service and some difficult personal chapters, I want to do something meaningful with the life ahead of me.

My hope is that someone following this journey sees a reason to take their own next step—whether that means asking for help, reconnecting with others, or pursuing a goal they thought was out of reach.

The hardest chapter does not have to be the last one.

For now, I’m inviting you to follow along. I’ll share updates about the climbs, the fundraising, and the people and organizations joining the mission as those plans come together.

Where does your donation go?

Donations support Summit of Second Chances by helping cover training, equipment, guides, travel, permits, insurance, and the expeditions leading toward Everest.

More importantly, the campaign also raises funds for a veteran-focused organization that help service members, veterans, and their families find support and opportunities to move forward. I’m fundraising one expedition at a time and will share the funding goals and charitable allocations for each phase so you can see what your contribution helps make possible.

LET'S TALK

Whether you're a company looking to align your brand with a story of resilience, or an individual who wants to be part of something bigger than a donation — I’d love to talk.

Thank you for considering standing with me on this climb. Whatever you're able to give — time, dollars, an introduction, a shout-out — it becomes part of the story he gets to tell for every person still fighting a battle no one else can see.

THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN - THE PHASED APPROACH

SUMMIT OF SECOND CHANCES
Climbing for those still fighting.

The Ultimate Mission: Mount Everest — Spring 2028

PHASE I — Help me get to Ecuador!

ECUADOR | JAN–FEB 2027
Cotopaxi • 19,347'
Cayambe • 18,996'
Fundraising Goal: $30,000

PHASE II — MANASLU | SEPT–OCT 2027
Elevation: 26,781'
Fundraising Goal: $100,000

PHASE III — MOUNT EVEREST | SPRING 2028
Elevation: 29,032'
Fundraising Goal: $150,000

Our hardest chapter does not have to be our last. And I want you to be part of it.

JOIN THE CLIMB

Donate. Sponsor. Partner. Share the mission.

Your support doesn't simply help put me on Mount Everest.

It helps turn this climb into a platform for veterans who need support, families who need help, and people who need to be reminded that there can still be purpose on the other side of their darkest days.

Let's climb!

Douglas Brock
24+ Year Combat Veteran • Heart-Failure Survivor • Entrepreneur • Endurance Athlete

IG: @douglas_brock

SUMMIT OF SECOND CHANCES
Climbing for those still fighting.

Thank you for considering standing with me on this climb. Whatever you're able to give — time, dollars, an introduction, a shout-out — it becomes part of the story I'll get to tell for every person still fighting a battle no one else can see.

Contribution Information

Contributions supporting expedition expenses—including training, equipment, travel, and climbing costs—are gifts or sponsorships supporting Douglas Brock and are generally not tax-deductible.

Whether you're a company looking to align your brand with a story of resilience, or an individual who wants to be part of something bigger than a donation — I’d love to talk.

Summit of Second Chances - Phase 1 (Ecuador)

Climbing for those still fighting.

Team Members