Climbing Kilimanjaro: Joel's All Terrain Adventure
Climbing Kilimanjaro:
Joel's All Terrain Adventure
Follow Joel, a blind adventurer from California, as he takes on Africa's highest peak — with the Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane by his side.
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."
– Helen Keller
Meet Joel
Joel is a 53-year-old husband, father, and adventurer from California. Living with retinitis pigmentosa, he has faced the challenges of progressive vision loss with determination and courage. Now, he’s preparing for the journey of a lifetime: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, with his trusted companion — the All Terrain Cane.
For Joel, this climb is not just about conquering a mountain. It’s about proving that with the right tools, resilience, and support, independence has no limits.
Climbing Kilimanjaro:
Joel’s All Terrain Adventure
- Roof of Africa: At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing peak in the world.
- A Journey Through Worlds: Climbers pass through five ecosystems — rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally the icy arctic summit.
- No Ropes, Just Grit: Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb — but endurance and determination are everything.
- Sacred Ground: Known as the "Shining Mountain,” Kilimanjaro has inspired explorers, poets, and local Chagga traditions for centuries.
- Vanishing Ice: The legendary summit glaciers are shrinking, making every climb a moment in history.
- Uhuru Peak: Reaching the summit means standing at Uhuru (“Freedom”) Peak — truly above the clouds.
With Joel’s courage — and the strength of the All Terrain Cane — this journey isn’t just about reaching the summit.
It’s about proving what’s possible when the right tools empower independence, resilience, and adventure.
Why This Climb Matters
Joel isn’t climbing for glory — he’s climbing to inspire. His journey reflects the spirit of the blind and low-vision community: bold, determined, and unstoppable. Every step he takes is a testament to possibility.
Prepairing for the Challenge
In the months leading up to Kilimanjaro, Joel has been training on California’s rugged trails. Each incline, each rocky path has become a rehearsal for the real climb. With his All Terrain Cane in hand, Joel builds stamina, tests his gear, and sharpens his focus for the journey ahead.
The All Terrain Cane: Joel's Partner on the Mountain
The All Terrain Cane isn’t just equipment — it’s Joel’s constant companion. Its reinforced joints, lightweight titanium tubing, and smooth-rolling tip give him the stability and confidence to face uneven ground, shifting gravel, and steep inclines.
From local training hikes to the slopes of Kilimanjaro, the cane symbolizes resilience and independence every step of the way.
Looking Ahead: The Climb Experience
Joel imagines what it will feel like to take each step higher on Kilimanjaro. The crunch of gravel under his roller ball tip, the thin mountain air filling his lungs, the silence of the summit before sunrise — it’s these moments he’s preparing for, one training hike at a time.
Family & Community Support
Behind Joel is a community cheering him on. His wife and children are his greatest encouragers, and his friends and peers in the blind and low-vision community see his climb as a powerful message: independence is for everyone.
Summit Vision
Joel knows the final push to the summit will test every ounce of his strength. But he envisions the moment he stands at Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa — raising his All Terrain Cane in triumph.
For Joel, that vision represents more than personal victory. It’s a beacon of possibility, reminding others navigating sight loss that with resilience and the right tools, even the highest peaks are within reach.
The Organization Behind the Climb
Accessibility Accelerator, founded by Jamie Lassner, is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for people with disabilities and older adults. Their mission spans the full spectrum of physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental differences — advancing dignity, opportunity, and independence.
Through advocacy, education, and inclusive programming, Accessibility Accelerator champions universal design and accessibility — ensuring that everyone has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Joel’s climb up Mount Kilimanjaro is part of their ongoing efforts to highlight what’s possible when barriers are removed and empowerment takes center stage. We’re proud to highlight this incredible organization and to support Joel as he takes on this adventure with his All Terrain Cane by his side.
Send Joel a Message
Follow Joel’s journey.
Share his story. Be inspired.
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Notes of Support from Around the World
God bless you for your strength and courage! Enjoy your adventure! The world is yours to conquer! What an inspiration you are!
We are praying for your health and success. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Cowabunga, dude! All your fellow RPers are cheering you on!
I couldn’t be more proud of you if I tried! Way to Summit, Joel!! You showed the entire blind AND sighted community that we absolutely got this! I’m looking forward to when you return to sea level, and your well-earned 0.21 ATA oxygen again!! Til then, rest up, travel safe! Congratulations!
Sedona Dave :)
Good luck from a mobility instructor that loves to share the success of these canes and the adventures where they are used.
Hi Joel, following your journey, it’s so inspiring! The meta glasses have recorded very good quality videos. I hope you’re having a wonderful time and meeting a lot of new people. How is the hike going? I hope it’s not too unbearably cold.
Looking forward to hearing more from you about the journey. Lots of love and prayers
Aniela, Ivena and Aunty
The Journey Unfolds — One Day at a Time
Joel’s journey is just beginning. Daily updates will be posted here as they are available — so you can follow each step, celebrate his progress, and share in the adventure.
Friday, August 22nd, 2025
The Journey Begins
Joel is officially on his way! From Northern California to New York, this marks the first leg of his trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. In this video, Joel shares his thoughts as he sets out on the adventure ahead — a journey filled with preparation, determination, and purpose.
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025
Touchdown in New York
Joel has arrived on the East Coast! Filmed through his Ray-Ban Meta glasses, this video gives you a first-person view as he waits for his luggage at JFK Airport’s Terminal 4. The next stage of his adventure to Mt. Kilimanjaro is officially underway.
Sunday, August 24th, 2025
Checked In & Ready to Go
This morning at JFK Terminal 4, Joel officially checked in for his Kenya Airways flight — the next step toward Mt. Kilimanjaro. Joined by Bari Azman, the two shared a few words before Joel sets off on this incredible journey. The adventure continues as he prepares to take flight for Africa.
Monday, August 25th, 2025
After a long journey, I’ve finally made it to Kilimanjaro!
The flight from New York (JFK) to Nairobi took 13 hours and 24 minutes onboard a Kenya Airways 787 Dreamliner. Luckily, I had an empty seat next to me, which made the long trip a little more comfortable. I even recorded the final approach into Nairobi to capture the excitement of arriving in Africa.
After a short layover in Nairobi — which included a slight flight delay — I used my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to share the experience of stepping off the aircraft and walking through the jetbridge into the terminal. From there, I boarded a Kenya Airways Embraer 190 for the connection to Kilimanjaro. Even though I don’t have much usable vision myself, I was able to capture a powerful moment during descent — Mount Kilimanjaro coming into view out the left side of the plane.
Following the flight, we had a long bus ride before finally arriving at our hotel in Kilimanjaro. I’m hopeful for a good night’s rest, as tomorrow we set off on safari before the climb begins.
Seeing the mountain for the first time, even through video, gave me chills. It’s a reminder of the challenge ahead and the incredible journey I’m about to begin with my Awarewolf Gear All Terrain Cane by my side.
Watch the videos below and join me on this adventure.
Kenya Airways 787-8 Dearmliner| Final Approach into Nairobi
Arriving in Nairobi | Joel’s View Through Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Kenya Airways 737 | Stunning View of Mount Kilimanjaro on Approach
Sunday, August 31st, 2025
Final Push to the Summit Begins Tonight
After a few days of limited service on the mountain, we’re pleased to share new updates from Joel and the Kilimanjaro team.
These photos capture the determination and teamwork that have carried the group through some of the toughest sections of the climb. Every step reflects resilience and the strength of community.
Tonight at 1:00 AM local time, Joel and his fellow climbers will begin the final push toward the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. This phase is expected to be the most challenging, as the group will hike through the night to reach the peak by sunrise.
Below the photos, you’ll also find a new video that brings you along the trail as Joel and his cohort continue their journey upward toward the summit.
Let’s continue sending Joel and the entire team our encouragement as they take on the final climb to the top of Africa.
Joel, wearing a dark blue jacket and hat, carefully navigates a rocky mountain trail on Kilimanjaro with the support of a guide at his side. He holds his red-and-white All Terrain Cane as two other climbers follow closely behind.
Seven climbers stand arm-in-arm on a rocky trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, smiling and lifting one leg together. Among them is Joel, holding his red-and-white All Terrain Cane. The group is dressed in hiking gear with backpacks and trekking poles, with the rugged peak of Kilimanjaro in the background under a clear blue sky.