When I was 17 years old my mom, Carol, died from breast cancer and She Climbs Mountains has allowed me to process and grieve this loss in a way I don’t think I ever would have without it. While I have always been open about this loss, it wasn’t until I found this group, where I was able to connect with others who understood this experience I had gone through, where I could actually be vulnerable, and talk, cry and grieve the loss of my mother in a more meaningful way. She Climbs Mountains has created a beautiful group where women and girls can feel supported through community and shared loss. I am especially proud to know this organization is helping young girls who experience mother-loss just as I did, through their mentorship program with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls Rise Up. When I lost my mom at 17 I was less than a year from becoming an “adult” and going out into the world on my own, and there were so many things I didn’t have time to talk to my mom about to prepare me for that transition- so many things I felt lost about, and so many experiences that I may have handled differently had she been there to talk to. Girls Rise Up not only provides the same community to gather and talk with those who have also experienced mother-loss, but it provides the opportunity to match adult motherless daughters with young motherless daughters, ages 8-18, where a relationship like no other can blossom and provide that comfort and guidance that so many young motherless daughters are missing- what I was missing. She Climbs Mountains is providing a profound community to those who experience mother loss and this fundraiser is a way for us to continue to provide these experiences and support. My goal is to raise $500 in honor of my mom Carol, who I know is so glad that a nonprofit like this now exists. Please consider donating and/or joining me for this special event where we will climb together to honor and remember the mothers we have lost. I am so thankful for the community that surrounds me with SCM, but also so incredibly thankful to all those in my life that have helped me to get to where I am on this journey of loss. ❤️