SPENCER WEST
SPENCER WEST
SPENCER WEST
CLIMBED
MOUNT kilimanjaro,
ON
HIS
HANDS.
Though he stands just 2’7”, Spencer West is a giant among us. Born with a severe deformity of the spine, his legs were completely amputated from the pelvis down at the age of five. This presented an obvious and enormous set of challenges that he has been overcoming ever since. But conquering his own challenges was not enough for Spencer West. With an understanding that he is in a unique position to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles, he set out to do the seemingly impossible.
As a passionate volunteer for development projects in Africa, Spencer made several trips to Kenya from 2002 to 2011. His connection to the continent deepened with every visit and he describes it as “the place that helped me find my heart”. While visiting in 2011, he witnessed the severe drought that was imposing monumental struggles on farmers and villagers whom he considers family. In order to raise awareness and funds, he set out to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro. To do so is no small task, even for those who can get there on foot. Though it does not require technical climbing skills, the shear altitude of the climb makes it extremely difficult to fully summit the 19,341 ft tall mountain. 25,000 able bodied people attempt to do so every year. Only 15,000 succeed. But, as Spencer is constantly showing and telling the world, “there is no can’t, only how”.
Knowing the extreme stress the 8 day trek would put on his body, Spencer took a year to physically prepare himself. Walking on his hands, and occasionally using his self propelled off road wheel chair, Spencer and his team reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012. This feat served to inspire millions and would raise more than $500,000 USD to directly support communities in the affected area.
Today you will find Spencer traveling far and wide as an author and public speaker, spreading his powerful message to ‘redefine possible’. He gives insight into the stereotyping and bullying of his childhood and stands up for the power of inclusion. We highly recommend his book, Standing Tall: My Journey, which is a must read and an introduction to somebody you must know.
On a recent trip to Vancouver, Spencer took the time to meet us and be photographed with BIGLOVEBALL. His grace and unconquerable spirit are plain to see and we are grateful for our time spent in his presence.
Thank you for everything you do in this world, Spencer West. You are loved.
There is no can’t, only how.
– SPENCER WEST
Though he stands just 2’7”, Spencer West is a giant among us. Born with a severe deformity of the spine, his legs were completely amputated from the pelvis down at the age of five. This presented an obvious and enormous set of challenges that he has been overcoming ever since. But conquering his own challenges was not enough for Spencer West. With an understanding that he is in a unique position to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles, he set out to do the seemingly impossible.
SPENCER WEST
CLIMBED
MOUNT kilimanjaro,
ON
HIS
HANDS.
As a passionate volunteer for development projects in Africa, Spencer made several trips to Kenya from 2002 to 2011. His connection to the continent deepened with every visit and he describes it as “the place that helped me find my heart”. While visiting in 2011, he witnessed the severe drought that was imposing monumental struggles on farmers and villagers whom he considers family. In order to raise awareness and funds, he set out to climb Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro. To do so is no small task, even for those who can get there on foot. Though it does not require technical climbing skills, the shear altitude of the climb makes it extremely difficult to fully summit the 19,341 ft tall mountain. 25,000 able bodied people attempt to do so every year. Only 15,000 succeed. But, as Spencer is constantly showing and telling the world, “there is no can’t, only how”.
Knowing the extreme stress the 8 day trek would put on his body, Spencer took a year to physically prepare himself. Walking on his hands, and occasionally using his self propelled off road wheel chair, Spencer and his team reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2012. This feat served to inspire millions and would raise more than $500,000 USD to directly support communities in the affected area.
Today you will find Spencer traveling far and wide as an author and public speaker, spreading his powerful message to ‘redefine possible’. He gives insight into the stereotyping and bullying of his childhood and stands up for the power of inclusion. We highly recommend his book, Standing Tall: My Journey, which is a must read and an introduction to somebody you must know.
On a recent trip to Vancouver, Spencer took the time to meet us and be photographed with BIGLOVEBALL. His grace and unconquerable spirit are plain to see and we are grateful for our time spent in his presence.
Thank you for everything you do in this world, Spencer West. You are loved.
There is no can’t, only how.
– SPENCER WEST
