As part of the training for the Mt. Everest summit in 2026, this year's milestone is to summit Mera Peak in November.
Karolina, who has Usher syndrome - a rare degenerative genetic condition affecting sight, hearing, and sometimes balance - undertook an Everest Base Camp trek in May 2023. Always dreaming of summiting Everest, the trek was thrilling, especially meeting people en route to the summit, which ignited a “what if” moment. Realising that no deafblind person had ever summited Everest, Karolina decided to take on this challenge. Additionally, she wants to see Everest while she still has some useful sight, making it a now-or-never mission.
This endeavor is more than a personal goal; it's a chance to raise awareness and promote understanding of deafblindness. By sharing this journey, the aim is to inspire and educate others about hidden disabilities and the resilience of the human spirit.
Fundraising efforts are dedicated to two charities:
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association: Bosley, Karolina's sponsored guide dog, has been invaluable to her sigh loss journey. She aims to extend same support to someone else by sponsoring a puppy in support of the DeafBlind Everest Project. Typically, charity team members name the puppies unless they are sponsored. A minimum of £2,500 is needed to name a puppy, and £10,000 to meet the puppy. Karolina is hoping to reach the target and name a puppy 'Everest'.
Millimetres 2 Mountains Foundation creates positive changes for individuals facing challenges due to life-changing injuries or trauma. As one of their beneficiaries, Karolina has witnessed firsthand how exploration, adventure, and the great outdoors can inspire and support individuals to redefine their limitations and take steps toward a brighter future.
For further information and updates, visit:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/DeafBlindEverestProject
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DeafBlindEverestProject
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@DeafBlindEverestProject
Website: www.DeafBlindEverestProject.com
Raising for
£626
raised of £20,000
