Twelve years ago, Megan Wheatley’s life changed in an instant. A car accident and serious brain injury left her facing an uncertain future with a long road of recovery ahead.
But on August 17 this year, the 30-year-old stood at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro—the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres—after an eight-day trek that tested her strength, endurance and resilience.
“Climbing Kilimanjaro was definitely more than just summiting a mountain,” Megan said. “It felt like validation and proof of how far I've come in the last 12 years. Twelve years ago, summiting the highest mountain in Africa would've felt impossible. Standing at the top was a reminder of how recovery can lead you to places you never thought you'd be able to get to.”
Megan reached the summit after carefully training for months and preparing for the physical and mental challenges of the climb. But the altitude (and lack oxygen) brought its own difficulties. Still, Megan pushed forward, reminding herself to take it one step at a time.
For Megan, the climb was more than a personal achievement.
Megan used the journey to raise funds for Community Brain Injury Services (CBIS) at Providence Care, a program that helps others living with brain injuries rebuild their lives. Her initial fundraising goal of $3,000 quickly grew to $5,000, and with overwhelming support, she has surpassed it—raising more than $7,500.
“I’m blown away by everyone’s generosity,” Megan said. “To me, it really means that people connected with the cause. A big part of this for me was raising awareness that there is life after a brain injury. It’s often an invisible injury, but I wanted to show that recovery and hope are possible.”
Despite challenges such as memory loss, fatigue and sensory sensitivity, she hoped to inspire others with brain injuries – showing that recovery makes incredible achievements possible.
For Megan, the summit of Kilimanjaro was not just a peak on a map, but a powerful symbol of perseverance and gratitude.
“This trip gave me perspective and reminded me to appreciate the journey,” she reflected.