We love to adventure with people, and we love to hear (and share) their stories, as well. So we have a series of posts called “Sharing Our Embark Stories.”

This time, the adventurer is Kathy Lemay of Atlanta. She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1997 and had a stem cell transplant in 1999. “Ten years after that,” she says, “I decided to get off my butt. Since I survived, I needed to start living again.” She joined the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, got involved with a hiking team and this year started with Climb for a Cure.

She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro with Embark and LLS in 2017. “I never thought I would do anything so big and bold,” she says.

What was the most inspiring moment of your trip?

The guides and porters from Embark were very inspiring. Every day, to have them cheering us on and singing for us, that was inspiring and made us think, “Okay, even though we’re dead tired, they are making us feel good and uplifting us so we’re ready to get up the next day and hike on to the next camp.” They were carrying 50 to 75 pounds on their heads while we were struggling with a simple daypack; I don’t know how they do it!

As for me, my inspiration was summit day. I was a little slower climbing because after my radiation treatment, parts of my lungs have scar tissue. So the rest of the group summited 23 minutes before I did, and while they were all waking out, I was still walking up. I got to see every single one of them and give them a hug, and had a minute with each one. That truly inspired me and meant a lot. I only knew three people going into the trip, but by the end of training and then being on the actual adventure, you get to really know someone and understand their personal reason for this journey. To see each teammate excel was just amazing. Everyone in our group summited.

What’s the biggest challenge you overcame, and how did that feel?

Day after day, just getting up and hiking all those miles. It was doable distances, so for me the most challenging part was the Barranco Wall – not because of the scramble over rocks, but the heights. Not a fan of heights.

A couple of times we had to do a little jump over to a rock and there was a big drop off to the left. I just kept going, stayed focused, and listened to where the guides were telling me where to put my foot; they really helped me along.

We were also having to hurry because a storm was coming up behind us. We made it to camp just in time before the rain came down!

What did you learn about the place you visited and the people there?

I also did a three-day safari and went to Zanzibar. All three were different trips, and I learned a lot. For the climb, I was amazed at the guides’ strength and what they do day after day. We had new shoes and warm jackets; they had stuff that wasn’t the same quality and were carrying 10 times more than the rest of us. I was amazed by their spirit; they were cheering us on when I thought we should be cheering them on!

Nine of our group of 12 also went on safari, and the guides’ knowledge of the area was amazing – not just the animals, but we also learned about the Maasai and visited one of their villages. In Zanzibar, a guide took us through the old town; the tour was supposed to be three hours, but we stayed for five because we were all so excited and learning so much. He knew seven languages! Embark has got really good people over there as partners.

How did Embark help make your trip a success?

Overall, they are one of best outfitters I’ve ever worked with, and I’ve done a lot trips throughout Europe. Embark was great, especially with the hookups and their people; we never felt lost or insecure. This was everyone’s first time to Africa, and with some other outfitters, you wonder what’s happening. This whole trip was very well organized and run very smoothly.

Where do you want to go next, and why?

I’ve never been to South America, and I really want to go to Iguazu Falls. The base camp of Everest sounds really interesting, too. That may have to be on the books for 2018!

Would you like to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with Embark?