Why Do You Summit for Someone? Katie’s Inspiration

There are many reasons why people choose to participate on our ‘Summit for Someone’ program. Today, we want to highlight Katie, who climbed Mt. Evans, a 14,000-foot peak in Colorado in memory of her cousin Ryan who tragically fell to his death while hiking.

Ryan like Katie had an incredible love for the mountains. She decided to participate in the Summit for Someone program to give an opportunity to under-resourced youth to find their love for the outdoors like both her and Ryan shared.

“Nature is the most effective therapy I know. It can quiet grief, mute sadness, soften anger. In nature, we reflect on ourselves and we find ourselves. We become better people. It is the best legacy I know,” said Katie.

Katie summited Mt. Evans at the end of August 2018. She was joined by Ryan’s parents where they helped her place a rock there in Ryan’s memory.

Katie raised more than $3000 for BCM with this climb and surpassed her fundraising goal by more than $1000. She already has plans for more summits next summer.  You can read more about Katie’s story on her fundraising page here. Thank you Katie!