WATCH: Cancer warrior to summit majestic peaks for Stepping Stone

Vanessa Greyvenstein is living proof that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to, despite any setbacks that might come our way.

Last year, this brave cancer warrior ticked off an item on her bucket list by summiting Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services, ensuring that they continue to improve the quality of life for their patients.

Her breathtaking view and great accomplishment were overshadowed by the knowledge that her efforts would benefit these patients and help keep the organisation’s doors open.

After her battle with cancer, Vanessa chose to support Stepping Stone, in desperate need of funds to offer child-centred palliative care to young patients at their paediatric unit in Raceview.

The Martelise Meaker Children’s In-Patient Unit, which includes a paediatric and adolescent ward, is designed to meet the holistic needs of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Mount Kilimanjaro climb

After braving icy and extremely difficult conditions, she managed to raise a whopping R101 000 for the entity while gazing out at the majestic mountains.

“It was my first multi-day hike, my first adventure above 2 900m, and the first time I ever climbed a mountain. Talk about diving into the deep end! Was it tough? Oh, you bet! By day two, I was convinced my legs had turned into jelly and my lungs were plotting a mutiny. Did I think I’d make it to the top? Absolutely, not. But hey, here I am, living proof that miracles do happen,” said Vanessa.

Mount Kilimanjaro has always been a bucket list item for her, and she thought, what better way to achieve this goal than by also raising funds for a meaningful cause?

“The climb not only fulfils a personal dream but also supports Stepping Stone Hospice and families in need, particularly those requiring palliative care. Palliative care is a crucial service that provides relief to patients with serious illnesses, ensuring they live their remaining days with dignity and comfort,” she explained.

WATCH: A video of Vanessa Greyvenstein during her Mount Kilimanjaro climb

Unfortunately, she said many families struggle to afford these services. By combining the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro with fundraising efforts, she wanted to make a significant impact.

“This journey was more than just a physical challenge. It was an opportunity to give back to the community and support those who need it most. Every step taken on the mountain was a step towards helping families receive the care and support they deserve,” Vanessa said.

She reiterated that embarking on the eight-day Lemosho route on Mount Kilimanjaro is not for the faint-hearted.
“It was a formidable challenge.”

Vanessa said: “During my trek in Tanzania, I faced additional challenges. I contracted a stomach bug before starting the climb, leaving me weak and without proper nutrition for two days. Unfortunately, the support staff provided by my outfitter did not adequately feed me during the climb, adding to the difficulties.”

Despite these setbacks, she said the experience was a testament to resilience and determination. Many people were evacuated during her climb on the mountain.

Reaching for even greater heights

After her daring and arduous experience, Vanessa now has her sights set on climbing even higher mountains.
Unlike her previous climb on Kilimanjaro, where she was part of a team, this time she’ll have a dedicated Sherpa to assist her.

“This setup allows me to trek and climb at my own pace, making the journey more personal and flexible. The expedition will span 18 days, including summits to Everest Base Camp and Island Peak. However, the weather in this region is notoriously unpredictable, and flights to and from Lukla, one of the world’s most dangerous airports, are limited,” she said.

To account for potential delays, they are planning for an additional five days as a buffer for bad weather. The climb is scheduled for September/October next year.

“My fundraising goal for Stepping Stone Hospice is R200 000. This mission is deeply personal, and I’m committed to making a significant impact through this climb. These expeditions are quite costly, and I’m currently trying to raise funds to cover the expenses for airline tickets and part of the climb,” said Vanessa.

She stated that this journey was not just about reaching new heights, but also about overcoming challenges and pushing personal limits. Vanessa, who is currently undergoing Hospice volunteer training at Stepping Stone, reiterated that in every situation, there is always a silver lining.

“When faced with a life-threatening illness, one’s perspective and priorities undergo a profound transformation. No matter the severity of our struggles or the weight of our burdens, there is always someone enduring a greater challenge. Control the controllable. Be kind to others, and most importantly: never give up,” she said.

Your financial support can help make her fundraising dream a reality.

She desperately needs monetary assistance toward her travel experience and overall costs (estimated to be R70 000).

To make this trip possible or to sponsor her flight, contact Vanessa on 073 964 7803 or WhatsApp Stepping Stone Hospice on 083 290 7562.