Personal message

I've decided to hike Mt. Kilamanjaro this June to raise funds and awareness for the Avela Foundation and I'm hoping you'd consider making a donation to the foundation on my behalf! 

The Avela Foundation is a nonprofit organization that I've been involved with in South Africa and helps to support children with burn injuries. 3.2% of South Africans sustain burn injuries each year - up to 1.6 million people per year. These burn survivors show great courage in the face of new physical, social, and financial challenges and face stigma and limitations in places where such handicaps are not understood. 

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). As some of you know - I have at least a moderate aversion to even walking uphill, which I think has kept Uber in business - but I feel that climbing Kilimanjaro will be a personal physical and mental challenge for which I will carry the courage of the burn survivors I have met.

All the funds raised by our team will directly go to the purchase of a Lumenis Laser machine to help children with their scarring, which leads to both cosmetic and functional improvement. I've committed to raise $5000 for this cause (about $1 per vertical meter!) and I hope that you will help me make this a reality. 

I already paid to get to Tanzania and for the hike itself, I am only asking for your support by donating any amount you can to this cause. 100% of your donation will go directly to The Avela Foundation. I have committed and do need help raising the full $5000 in order to participate on the trip, but I believe that my community will stand behind me in this goal.

Many of you know that the country of South Africa has given me so many things - balance, wellness, adventure - and I'm hoping to rally my community and friends to give back to this country I love so much! 

Thank you for your generosity! 

Amanda

Donations