At first glance, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro might seem worlds away from the daily challenges the people of eastern North Carolina face. But the parallels are undeniable when we consider the stark reality: access to healthcare is slipping further and further from reach. Much like the Maasai people of Tanzania, who often must travel hours for even the most basic medical care, many of our neighbors here are left feeling stranded. With hospital closures across the region, the loneliness of not knowing where to turn for help is becoming all too real.

Mount Kilimanjaro represents more than just a peak to summit—it symbolizes the human spirit to rise above adversity. This climb reflects the struggles of families in eastern North Carolina who must navigate the maze of limited resources, long journeys for care, and the heartbreak of hearing "no" when they need help the most.