Hi! I’m Caroline — and I’m on a mission to be the first DeafBlind person to summit Mount Everest in May 2027!

I have Usher Syndrome, a rare condition that affects both hearing and sight. My vision started to deteriorate when I was 19. It’s a slow process, but I know that my remaining sight is limited — and that makes the timing of this mission even more urgent.

In May 2023, I trekked to Everest Base Camp. That journey changed everything. It sparked a bold question: What if?

What if I didn’t stop at Base Camp?

What if I went all the way?

A Deaf person has summited Everest. A blind person has summited Everest. But no DeafBlind person has ever stood on the highest point on Earth. And if I am ever going to do it, it has to be before I lose the remainder of my sight and hearing.

Who I Am

My name is Dr. Karolina Pakėnaitė — though most people know me as Caroline. I have navigated much of my adult life with the support of my guide dog, Bosley, who has recently retired — marking another transition in a life that is constantly adapting.

The Journey So Far

This Everest mission has been a structured, progressive journey — building from endurance races to technical ice climbing, to 6,000m and 7,000m Himalayan summits. I have tested myself in extreme cold, altitude and exhaustion. I have prepared alongside an experienced team including Dr. Sundeep Dhillon, Dr. Joseph Dituri and Lukas Furtenbach — combining high-altitude medical oversight, performance planning and expedition leadership.

As my vision continues to deteriorate, I know there is a window in which this is physically and logistically possible. I am choosing to step into it — deliberately and fully.

Next: 8,849m Everest – May 2027 (£150,000)

Why the Cost Is Higher

Everest is an expensive expedition for any climber. For a DeafBlind climber, the level of support required is significantly greater, resulting in higher overall costs. A flash-style expedition approach is being used to enhance safety, reduce time spent at extreme altitude, and conserve physical and cognitive energy throughout the climb. This is particularly important given the increased demands of navigating complex terrain with hearing impairment and tunnel vision, as well as managing communication and orientation in high-fatigue environments. As a result, the total expedition cost is more than double that of a standard ascent.

Why Everest?

Deafblindness is often misunderstood — or invisible altogether. This summit will be about representation. Through this expedition, I want to raise awareness of Usher syndrome and show what is possible when the right support, preparation and trust are in place.

(Himlung Himal video: https://youtu.be/tnMeKXJG6xQ)

How You Can Help

Every donation — no matter the size — brings me closer to the summit.

Sharing this page will also make a huge difference.

(Alternatively, to support my charity fundraising efforts for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation, visit my givestar page here.)

Thank you for believing in this mission,

Caroline