DeafBlind Everest Project x Guide Dogs UK

UPDATE: No more donations will be taken here. Please visit my givestar page instead to donate.

Hello! My name is Caroline, and I have Usher Syndrome, something that not only affects my hearing but also my sight which started to deteriorate at the age of 19. After trekking to Everest Base Camp in May 2023, I realised that I want to be the first DeafBlind person to summit Mt. Everest!

I know a deaf person has reached it, and a blind person has done it too, but it seems like I'll be the first DeafBlind, and I want to do it before my sight is completely gone. Time is ticking, so I figured it's now or never. I'm just a PhD student, with no big finances or connections - a wild dream that feels so out of reach. But I won't know unless I try, right?

A producer from a film production company has shown interest in documenting my journey, adding an exciting layer to this adventure. I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness, bring representation, and share the experience of training with the Sherpas who will be a crucial part of this journey.

Summiting Everest is an immense challenge, accompanied by significant costs. My target is to reach the summit in 2026, allowing me to engage in various challenges as part of my training. My upcoming milestone is the London Marathon in April 2024, where I've chosen to fundraise for Guide Dogs UK!

I vividly recall praying for a guide dog upon learning about my deafblindness. At that time, I couldn't envision using a cane or adapting to change. When I received that email and met Bosley for the first time, I thought it would be the happiest day of my life. Little did I know, it was just the beginning, to an incredible adventure. Bosley and I have built a strongest bond and partnership over weeks, months, and years – just us, navigating life together. I am profoundly grateful to have Bosley by my side ♥️

Bosley is a sponsored guide dog, and I'm eager to extend the same support to someone else. What a dream it would be to sponsor a puppy in support of the DeafBlind Everest Project. Typically, Guide Dogs UK team members name the puppies unless they are sponsored. There are four naming levels, with details available here: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/name-a-puppy/how-to-name-a-puppy/

Donations made through this page will benefit two projects:

The initial £2,000 raised for Guide Dogs UK will contribute to the London Marathon fundraising target, which you can donate here at the GoFundMe page or directly at https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/karolina-pakenaite

Any additional donations raised here for the Guide Dogs UK will be used for the Name a Puppy scheme. The donation portion for the DeafBlind Everest Project raised here will be transferred to https://www.gofundme.com/f/deafblind-everest-project

Can we collectively reach our targets and decide on a name for a puppy?

If you have the means, please consider supporting Guide Dogs UK to potentially provide an invaluable gift to someone's life!

Thank you sincerely for your support,

Caroline & Bosley

You can follow me on my Everest journey at: www.DeafBlindEverestProject.com