Kyle Maynard, a Congenital Amputee, and His Team Tackle Africa’s Highest Mountain

Here is a special story for the holiday season. This team’s climb for change journey instantly touched my heart, and I think you’ll find it equally beautiful.

Believing firmly that no obstacle is too great to overcome, Kyle Maynard, and the entire Mission Kilimanjaro Team are taking on the impressive mission of reaching the summit of Africa’s highest summit together. This team is on a journey to inspire through action, not just words.

Kyle Maynard was born with congenital amputation, a condition that left him with arms that end at the elbows and legs that end near the knees. Yet, believing the power of no excuses, Kyle has become an incredibly successful motivational speaker, bestselling author and Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) winning Mixed Martial Arts athlete. Now, using no assistive device beyond pieces of bicycle tire taped to the ends of his limbs, Kyle will tackle one of the biggest challenges he has ever faced - climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro’s 19,341 ft.

Kyle’s mission has attracted the sponsorship of outstanding organizations, including No Barriers USA - an innovative organization that develops assistance technology for people with disabilities.  Also, the group of individuals who have joined the Mission Kilimanjaro team is comprised of amazing civilian, non-civilian, athletes, film makers, “disabled” and “able-bodied” men and women. Please go here to learn more about the rest of the Mission Kilimanjaro team.

Mission Kilimanjaro’s team is driven by the special purpose of “sending a message to our heroes in the veteran community and to kids with disabilities around the world that regardless of any challenge we face, no obstacle is too great to be conquered” (http://www.missionkilimanjaro.com/index.php).

Mission Kilimanjaro is actively broadcasting their message and story through multiple media channels (social media, events, and news - including Fox, CBS, CNN and ABC news) to raise awareness for children with disabilities, and wounded veterans experiencing potentially debilitating injuries (mental and physical). Personally, I was shocked to learn that an average of 18 veterans take their lives each day because the challenges they face returning home from deployment become too overwhelming.

In addition, to their climb, the team will be visiting children at the Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind, and donating $25,000 worth of medical supplies to the school (http://www.missionkilimanjaro.com/images/MissionKilimanjaro_Media.pdf).

Kyle and his team’s faith in the power of an active, "no barriers" lifestyle resounds so strongly with me because of their willingness to lead by example, living and breathing what they know is possible. They walk their talk and as a result, this team is truly making a difference in people’s lives.

With Mission Kilimanjaro’s climb fast approaching on January 4th, 2012 their team could really use your support and encouragement! If you are interested in supporting their cause, please go to http://www.missionkilimanjaro.com/support_the_team.html