He Lost Use of His Legs at 17 – A Decade Later, He's the First Paraplegic to Reach Everest Base Camp
Australian Scott Doolan just became the first paraplegic in history to reach Everest Base Camp with minimal assistance. And he did it all to raise awareness for mental health issues, a struggle he is all too familiar with.
Reaching the foot of Mount Everest after a 65-kilometer trek, Doolan was welcomed by a crowd of 20 people cheering him on.
My first thought was no way, impossible, I can’t do that. However, after thinking about it [...] I thought why not, what better way to challenge myself and influence others than to climb the biggest mountain in the world?-- Scott Doolan
Climbing in a wheelchair
Trekking with a specially-designed wheelchair and often climbing on his hands in a wheelbarrow position while his traveling partners held his legs, Doolan received heartwarming words of encouragement from several climbers he encountered during his ascent.
On a few occasions, when the climb was too steep, he resorted to piggyback rides. Completing the journey took all the strength Doolan had, both physical and mental. At one point, his wheelchair broke and a quick fix had to be improvised. By the time he reached base camp, Doolan had also suffered a stress fracture in his tailbone, but not even that slowed him down.
Uncovering his strength
An active teen in love with sports, Doolan lost use of his legs at 17 after a serious motorcycle accident damaged his spinal cord. He became depressed during the years after his accident, but discovering fitness in his twenties brought him a renewed joy and appreciation for life.
Last year, Doolan partnered up with a lifestyle company for the biggest challenge of his life: reaching the foot of the world’s highest mountain with minimal assistance.
He spent eight months training for the adventure, climbing mountains and doing daily cardiovascular and strength-training with oxygen-restricting masks to prepare for his high-altitude expedition.
Reaching Everest Base Camp
On March 14, Doolan and his team of a dozen people set out to climb to Everest Base Camp, completing the grueling journey in only 10 days. Keep in mind most climbers make the journey in 9 to 12 days.
No matter how difficult his training was, Doolan found the climb far more challenging than he ever imagined or expected. But the climb and his history-making achievement were not the only things he took away from the journey.
He showed himself and the world the power of tackling adversity head on and coming out victorious. His trip to Nepal also made him more grateful for the life he has in Australia.
Despite his momentous achievements, Doolan is far from taking a step back and enjoying the fruits of his labor. In fact, the 28-year-old is already searching for his next adventure, according to France 24.
One of those adventures might very well be swimming for Australia during the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Here’s to never giving up!
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.