Kilimanjaro Climb For Autism

THE CAUSE
Hello world, I’m Morgan. July 2019 I’ll be climbing Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. I’m using this climb not only to bring awareness to autism but to raise $19,341 for the autism cause. Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech & nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths & differences. There's not one autism but many types, autism’s most obvious signs tend to appear between 2 & 3 years of age. To many parents an autism diagnosis can be a devastating blow but because of new research & extensive resources many people on the autism spectrum lead very fulfilling lives. I’m donating the money raised to the Aspergers/ Autism Network (AANE). This organization provides resources to people on the autism spectrum throughout the different stages of their life from children to adults. They also provide resources to parents, grandparents, siblings, significant others, & even teachers. What really appealed to me about this organization is that they have members on their board that are on the autism spectrum and Who better to know the needs of someone with autism than someone on the spectrum. Hopefully we can surpass our goal & directly impact a family coping with autism. You can find more information about the Aspergers/ Autism Network at https://www.aane.org 

ABOUT ME
I have loved animals pretty much all my life & am currently in my 3rd year of veterinary school. I’ll be making the climb right before my very last year of veterinary school. The goal is to work in zoo & wildlife medicine & spread the conservation message around the world. I’m a North Carolina A&T Aggie, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, an avid scuba diver, & adventurer. I’m taking everyone on this journey with me from the training to the climb so when I reach the top & our goal it will be something we all did together. Hopefully this endeavor inspires everyone to continue to make an impact and change lives even if it’s giving your time and knowledge

THE CLIMB
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Northern Tanzania in East Africa, near the the border to Kenya. At a height of 19,340 ft Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa & the highest free standing mountain in the world (i.e. it's standing there all by itself, it's not a part of a mountain range.) About 44,000 people attempt to climb Mount Kilimanjaro every year of that about 60% actually make it to the top. Its a 35 mile trek & there are several routes you can take to the summit taking about a week or more giving time to get properly acclimated to the altitude. Challenges of climbing Kilimanjaro include altitude sickness (there’s only half as much air as normal), high UV levels, rocky terrain, & temperatures ranging from subtropical at the base to -20°F at the summit at night. Even with all of that anything is possible with determination! You can follow the journey on [email redacted].Morg