Everest Base Camp and Island Peak for Parkinson's.

Hello! I'm Sherman. I am currently 18 years old, and I am here today to bring awareness to a disease that I feel goes unnoticed in today's world. Parkinson's disease is a slow and painful process that tears individuals and families apart. A year ago, I lost my father to Parkinson's, he was diagnosed when I was 7. He, along with my mother worked harder than I have seen anyone work before to provide for my twin sister and I a life filled with opportunity. After experiencing the PNW, falling madly in love with the alpine through various forms, and doing some research, I am planning to trek to one of the most sacred and awe inspiring places on earth, the Khumbu Valley, Nepal, and I would like to do it in order to raise awareness as well as funding for Parkinson's research. Since I was a kid, I have looked at photos of Mount Everest and desired to reach the top. A year ago, I saved my own money and flew myself across the world to Germany, experiencing solo travel for the first time. I fell in love with it, and my attention immediately turned to Nepal. I felt like I could do it, but I wanted to connect it to something that meant something more, and though I will be putting immense effort into this trip, I need your help. My window is the Spring season of 2025, and the guide service, provided by Kami Rita Sherpa (The world record holder for the most Everest Summits) will cost $4,400, however this excludes my food, travel to and from Nepal, and gear. One pair of adequate boots alone will cost around $1200. I will be placing all of my funds into this trip, but I still fear that no matter how hard I personally work, It may not be enough. With this fundraiser, I will be splitting the funds evenly. For every 2 dollars I raise, 1 will go to my trip, 1 will go to Parkinson's research with the Michael J. Fox foundation. I am currently undergoing physical training which has me in a more fit state than I have ever been in. I am putting more effort into this project than I ever have anything else. If you are unable to donate, take some time to research Parkinson's and it's impacts. Share this fundraiser if you see fit! Literally ANYTHING HELPS. Please, consider supporting and joining me, while I travel to the highest and most sacred mountain on Earth, not only to find myself and prepare for a true summit attempt down the line, but to find a way to shed light to Parkinson's disease. I know first hand the power this platform can hold, so let's do this. Thank you for reading,

Sherman

Disclaimer: Please, pay attention to fundraisers that deserve more desperate help, and provide it for those who need it more than I do. I do not mean to take attention away from those, I only seek to do something cool for a good cause. Thanks!