For as long as Cameron Kenny can remember, he has been infatuated with Mount Everest. “Since I was roughly 10 years old, I’ve been tracking and following the climbing teams that attempt Mount Everest each season.”

Cameron started mountain climbing with Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in 2013. That was followed by Longs Peak, the Grand Tetons, Mount Rainier, Mount Denali, and Mount Lhotse. He viewed each climb as a strategic stepping stone for what lay ahead.

As Cameron started planning his Mount Everest trek, he saw an opportunity. “I quickly realized that due to the size of the trip and mission, I needed to make it more than just about myself,” he said. Making the climb a fundraiser for JDRF was an easy decision—his brother, Andrew, was diagnosed with T1D at age 17. Cameron can still remember exactly where he was when he heard the news.

“The courage and character Andrew has shown since day one of his diagnosis is remarkable and inspiring,” Cameron said. “I am incredibly proud of the fearlessness he has shown throughout his journey.”

Cameron’s Mount Everest climb raised more than $140,000. He’s both ecstatic and grateful. “It was an honor to carry the JDRF flag to the top of the world,” he said. “I hope my journey will inspire others to chase their dreams and benefit others while doing so.”

Learn how members of the T1D community are going Forward for Type 1 Diabetes during National Diabetes Awareness Month.