Stephen Wampler - Making Disabilities Disappear

Stephen is a mountain climber. In 2010 he ascended El Capitan. That feat by itself is a challenge, but something done by thousands of people. However, Stephen has Cerebral Palsy making his ascent not just exceptional, but a singular accomplishment

From a young age, Stephen's neurological disorder earned him no special treatment at home. His parents treated him just like his four siblings. His life changed at nine years old when he attended a wilderness survival camp. He began to see that his disability primarily existed in his mind; it truly was his only limiting factor. For 6 days, Stephen and his crew climbed. He did 20,000 pull-ups. Each one netting him 2 to 6 inches up the rock. The climb was grueling, all of the normal challenges exist; plus the others that come from being the first person with Cerebral Palsy to attempt the climb. But! this week was also the most time Stephen had EVER spent out of his wheelchair. The climb accomplished what Stephen wanted. People all over the world continue to reach out to Stephen for guidance, inspriation and to get past the limitations in their mind. His organization gives kids with disabilities the same opportuntiy he had; to realize their potential. Watch Stephen's incredible, awad-winning, documentary about the climb here.

Camp Wamp of the Wampler Foundation is Stephen's High Sierra based camp that helps kids make their disabilities disappear. Similar episodes: Werner Berger

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