At Sheep Dog Impact Assistance (SDIA), we believe in doing whatever it takes to help our nation’s Veterans and First Responders rise from the struggles of trauma and service and step into a life of purpose, growth, and resilience.
In July 2025, a group of incredible Sheep Dogs did just that by climbing Africa’s tallest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, as part of our annual Climb for a Cause. Through the support of our generous sponsors, Sam’s Furniture and Uncharted Supply Co., our team embarked on a life-changing expedition rooted in courage, community, and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG).
🏔️ The Climb is Where Growth Happens
Whether they reached the summit at Uhuru Peak (19,341 feet) or made it partway up the mountain, each climber embodied the mindset printed on their shirts: “Whatever It Takes.”
That phrase wasn’t just a motto; it was a way of life. Through exhaustion, illness, pain, and altitude, these Sheep Dogs pressed on. They faced their physical limits and emotional depths head-on, because summit or not, the real transformation happens in the climb.
PTG isn’t about conquering the mountain. It’s about becoming the person who keeps climbing.
“The guides and porters of Nyange Adventures, I’ll never forget their kindness. Always smiling, always helping, quietly carrying the weight (literally and emotionally) so we could keep going. Their presence was a reminder of the power of humility and grace.”- Jennifer Evans, 2025 Kili Climber
🌄 The Mountain Hid, Then Revealed- Just Like Growth
Before the ascent, Kilimanjaro remained cloaked in heavy cloud cover, unseen and mysterious. It wasn’t until closer to summit day that the team finally saw the full, awe-inspiring view of the mountain in all its glory.
Much like the journey through trauma and healing, clarity often comes after the hardest parts. The mountain revealed itself only after the climbers had faced their storms, just as post-traumatic growth reveals its gifts after we’ve endured life’s darkest valleys.
🦏 A Rare Sighting, A Deeper Message
Following the climb, the team journeyed into Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a once-in-a-lifetime safari. Amid elephants, lions, giraffes, and zebras, they witnessed a rare and symbolic moment: a rhino in the wild.
In many cultures, the rhino symbolizes resilience, survival, and strength, not just physical power, but the grounded perseverance it takes to stand firm in the face of adversity. This unexpected sighting reminded the team that the growth path is often rare, often difficult, but always worth it.
From the roof of Africa to the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness, our climbers reconnected with themselves and each other. They left behind more than footprints; they found purpose, sharpened their focus, and returned home changed.
🙌 Thank You to Our Sponsors: Sam’s Furniture & Uncharted Supply Co.
This unforgettable experience was made possible by our dedicated 2025 sponsors:
- Sam’s Furniture – Thank you for your deep commitment to supporting Veterans and First Responders. Your belief in our mission helped send these Sheep Dogs on a journey that changed lives forever. We are beyond proud of our Sheep Dogs for embarking on this long, rigorous journey to climb their next mountain. This Kili Climb for a Cause would not be possible without the generosity and support of Sam’s Furniture and Larra and Joe Donaldson. To learn more about their mission, visit: https://kiliclimbforacause.com/
- Uncharted Supply Co. – Your top-tier gear and unwavering support empowered our team to face the unknown with confidence. Together, we helped them prepare for any obstacle—on and off the mountain.
Because of you, they were ready to do whatever it takes. Thank you!
🐾 The Climb is Just the Beginning
At SDIA, we don’t measure success by the summit; we measure it by the courage to take the first step and the will to keep going.
To every 2025 Climb for a Cause participant: we are immensely proud of you. You are living proof of the strength of the human spirit and the power of Post-Traumatic Growth. Your example serves as a beacon for others still climbing their mountains.
Join us on the path to purpose. Please support our mission. Take the first step.
