One of Australia’s most inspirational charity events will take place locally as 18 young people with cerebral palsy or a similar disability tackle the Krazy Kosci Klimb on February 11.
In a powerful showcase of resilience and determination, the remarkable lead participants will walk or wheel 18km up and down Mount Kosciuszko to raise money for Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
The fund raising event has seen groups make a fun day out of the climb with images from previous years showing not only the resilience, but determination from participants to reach the top of Australia.
Each participant will be supported by a themed team made up of family, friends and corporate sponsors – all encapsulating the ‘Krazy’ element by wearing fancy-dress uniforms.
Eva Kalpidis, 13, will incredibly traverse Mount Kosciusko in a wheelchair - and attempt to trek some of the way - after doctors feared she’d never talk or walk due to a major stroke at just 10 days old.
Last year she saw a video of the Krazy Kosci Klimb and instantly said "I want to do that" and so the family have been gearing up for her to take on the challenge in February.
Now a happy high-schooler despite the challenges of cerebral palsy, Eva defied the odds as a youngster in a classic case of sibling rivalry by taking her first steps after seeing her brother do it first.
Meanwhile, 11-year-old Avalon Chambers, who was born 10 weeks premature with a traumatic brain injury, is completing intensive physical therapy to ready herself to walk part of the journey to the top.
An aspiring DJ who dreams of starting an inclusive fashion label and has appeared in a Barbie commercial, Avalon will be encouraged up the hill by her parents and aunties – all wearing pink.
Fund Raising for Cerebral Palsy
Through Krazy Kosci Klimb, Cerebral Palsy Alliance hopes to raise $450,000 to fund qualified exercise physiologists and equipment to support sporting programs for teens and adults with physical disabilities.
More than $300,000 has already been donated, with Eva’s ‘Team Sunshine’ leading the fundraising mission with close to $80,000.
To donate, please go to www.krazykosciklimb.com.au/donate
