inMotion Magazine

Living Free 19 19,347-foot volcano Cotopaxi. The team will be led by Karl Egloff, world‑record holder for the fastest known time on four of the seven summits: Denali, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua and Elbrus. The group of climbers is an impressive roster, including Paralympic medalists, ROMP patients, military veterans, Everest mountaineers and a former pro cyclist. Among the team is Kirstie Ennis, a Marine Corps veteran who lost her leg in combat but went on to become a Paralympian snowboarder, speaker, actress, mountaineer and advocate. This July, Kirstie received the ESPY Pat Tillman Award for Service. “Climbing for ROMP is the perfect opportunity for us to show the world that what stands in our way actually empowers us,” says Ennis. “We are a diverse climbing team from all walks of life coming together to show what is possible when you have compassion for others and a drive to turn dreams into reality.” Over the past five years of Climbing for ROMP, ROMP has engaged hundreds of climbers around the world, climbed more than 125 mountains worldwide and raised over $250,000 to help more than 300 patients get access to prosthetic care. Last September, Climbing for ROMP was responsible for the largest team of amputees known to successfully summit Cotopaxi. No mountain is too small or big, and the world is invited to participate in a climb this summer for those who cannot. “I challenge everyone to put one foot in front of the other this summer in support of the Range of Motion Project,” says Ennis. ROMP recognizes that limb loss does not discriminate – anyone at any stage in life can be affected, which is why ROMP aims to celebrate the gift of mobility, stand in solidarity with those living with disability hardships and provide access to proper care, rehab and technology for all who may need it. If there is no official Climbing for ROMP event near you, ROMP also invites those interested in participating to start a Climbing for ROMP hike in their own community on behalf of the cause. ROMP organizers will help you get started and provide you with the tools to put together a successful event. To join an existing Climbing for ROMP event, or start your own, visit rompglobal.org/climbing-for-romp. To learn more about the Range of Motion Project and how to get involved with its year-round volunteer and donation opportunities, visit rompglobal.org.   Climbing for ROMP is the perfect opportunity for us to show the world that what stands in our way actually empowers us.