Tampa Bay Teacher Defies Odds to Set Foot on Mount Kilimanjaro After Victory Over Cancer

How often have we made a random excuse about not doing something? Well, if you are someone who thinks that the hurdles to your dream are too tough, this story is for you. Imagine a person ravaged by disease, without the strength to even stand up, and climb a mountain! As amusing as it sounds, this is the true tale of a gritty Deborah Sickmon. 

Sickmon works as an educator in Tampa Bay. However, her life took a completely different turn during the deadly pandemic. The educator developed a deadly disease that would deprive her from opening even a water bottle. So, how did she make the climb? 

Deborah Sickmon’s hiking expedition 

The pandemic was a black chapter in everyone’s life. However, as if that was not enough, more misfortune followed Deborah Sickmon. During the lockdown period, she felt some changes happening within her body. And to her dismay, the changes did not look good. 

Read More: “Always a Class Act”: Quarterback Jameis Winston’s Touchdown of Compassion with Heartwarming Support for Breast Cancer Warriors

As she went to the doctor for a checkup, Sickmon received the shock of her life. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in August 2020. The medication process followed soon after. It was a gruesome experience for Sickmon. She went through thirty-five chemotherapy sessions for eight months before being cured. Unfortunately, even though the cancer was defeated, her health was nowhere near satisfactory. 

To quote her, “I didn’t realize the hardest part was yet to come, and that was the recovery from the cancer. My body was completely ravaged. I didn’t have the ability to even open a water bottle.” While in the recovery process, Sickmon made a choice. She wanted to climb Mt.Kilimanjaro! And she did complete the climb as the world stood up in unison to salute this hero. 

From hospital bed to top of the world!

As impossible as it sounded, Sickmon was determined to make the climb. Her main motto was to inspire the children of Africa to pursue their dreams and make them mentally strong. She also stated the fact that the children’s struggles were much more than what Sickmon had endured during the eight months. 

Sickmon gathered herself up and began her strict recovery with adequate nutrition. Three years later, she was standing 20000 ft above the sea, on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro! 

The educator now uses the story as an example in her teachings. As the world salutes Deborah Sickmon, we once again get to know that Impossible Is Nothing. 

Watch This Story: 104-Year-Old Skydiver Dorothy Hoffner’s Secrets to Longevity Before Her Grand Farewell