BTN News: The journey to the top of the world is not just a physical challenge; it’s a test of mental fortitude, perseverance, and sheer will. For me, standing at the base of Mount Everest was the culmination of years of preparation, sacrifice, and dreams. As a Dominican woman, the decision to embark on the “Exploratory Grand Slam” was not just about personal achievement; it was about representing my country and inspiring others to pursue their own seemingly impossible goals. My journey took me across continents, from the sun-kissed beaches of the Dominican Republic to the frigid extremes of the South Pole, all in preparation for this final, daunting challenge. As I looked up at the Everest summit from a helicopter en route to the base camp, the magnitude of what I was about to undertake hit me. But before reaching this point, there were countless hurdles, both physical and emotional, that I had to overcome.
The decision to climb Mount Everest was not one I took lightly. It required meticulous planning, extensive training, and, perhaps most challenging of all, securing the necessary funds. This journey was not just a personal quest; it was a mission to become the first Dominican woman to reach the highest point on Earth. The “Exploratory Grand Slam” involves climbing the highest peak on each continent and reaching both the North and South Poles. By the time I set my sights on Everest, I had already conquered six summits and trekked to the South Pole. The final obstacles that lay ahead were OceanÃa, the North Pole, and, of course, Everest.
The Everest challenge is not one for the faint-hearted. The mountain claims the lives of about two percent of those who attempt to reach its summit, a stark reminder of the dangers involved. The altitude, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather make this a journey where success is never guaranteed, and where the cost of failure can be life itself. Despite these dangers, I knew my capabilities and my limitations. I was acutely aware that thorough preparation would be key to my survival and success.
A week before my departure, the pressure of the upcoming challenge began to take its toll. Stress mounted as I juggled packing, paperwork, finding sponsors, and saying emotional goodbyes to family and friends. March 2024 was particularly difficult, with my two sons, one studying in Canada and the other in Italy, returning home to visit before my departure. Their support, along with that of my entire family, was a cornerstone of my journey. The looming uncertainty of the expedition weighed heavily on us all, as the reality of the risks I was about to face became ever more apparent. The thought of leaving behind loved ones, possibly forever, was a sobering reminder of the gravity of my mission.
As I trained in the days leading up to my flight, a sudden setback nearly derailed my plans. During a routine workout with a heavy backpack, a muscle in my back seized up painfully. In an instant, I went from feeling ready to conquer Everest to being unable to even lift my travel bag. The physical pain was intense, but the fear of not being able to continue was even greater. However, the thought of abandoning my goal never crossed my mind. With the help of a therapist, I underwent treatment to relieve the tension, determined to press on despite this unexpected challenge.
Support from friends and family poured in during those final days. Messages of encouragement mixed with words of caution. Some were confident in my success, while others were understandably worried about the risks. My closest friends organized a small farewell breakfast, insisting that this was not goodbye, but simply a “see you later.” They gave me small tokens, medallions they asked me to take up the mountain and bring back down, as a promise of my safe return. The trust and calm of my immediate family were a source of immense comfort. They knew I would do everything in my power to stay safe.
Even my coach, who had remained silent in the days leading up to my departure, suddenly appeared at the airport with a personal request. He handed me a medallion given to him when his son was born 21 years ago, asking me to bring it back from Everest. At that moment, I realized that this expedition was not just my own. I was carrying the hopes, dreams, and faith of everyone who had supported me along the way. This was no longer just about reaching the top; it was about bringing everyone with me in spirit.
My journey to Nepal was not direct. First, I made a stop in Ecuador, where, despite the lingering discomfort in my back, I met with old friends to acclimate to higher altitudes before facing the ultimate test. The memories of my previous expeditions, especially the grueling trek to the South Pole, served as a reminder of my resilience and preparation. The year before, I had ventured to the South Pole, a place where the cold was so intense that I often daydreamed about the warm beaches of the Dominican Republic. The irony was not lost on me as I skied 111 kilometers and summited Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest peak at 4,892 meters. That experience tested my limits and proved that I was ready for whatever Everest had in store.
As I prepared for Everest, my biggest challenge was not physical or mental—it was financial. The cost of such an expedition is substantial, and like previous adventures, I had to seek out sponsors to fund the journey. The process was daunting, but it was a crucial step in turning my dream into reality.
As the day of departure finally arrived, I knew that I was not just climbing a mountain; I was embarking on a journey that would test every aspect of my being. This was not just about standing on the summit of Everest; it was about proving to myself, and to others, that with enough determination, preparation, and support, even the loftiest goals are within reach. And so, with the hopes and dreams of my family, friends, and supporters behind me, I took the first step toward the top of the world, knowing that no matter what happened, I was not climbing alone.
