Doctor prepares to climb Everest to raise money for kids

FRACKVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A local doctor is preparing for the biggest personal challenge of his life, but that challenge isn’t just about him.

Dr. James Greenfield is packing his bags; he’s got boots, band-aids, and lots of layers, to keep him going as he climbs the tallest mountain in the world.

Before he flies to Asia, he’s preparing his lungs for the high altitudes.

But he won’t be making the journey alone. Six volunteers will trek up Mount Everest — with a common goal — raising money for disadvantaged children in Africa.

“We don’t realize how much we really do have in our country until you see places that really don’t have anything,” said Greenfield. Greenfield volunteers with Care Highway International– a charity that brings health care and education opportunities to kids in Kenya.

Last year, he joined the group and had his first experiences in Africa. As a physician, he offered free clinics, gave immunizations and physicals to children in need.

“They’re so grateful for anything you do. You go ahead and buy a girl a jump rope. She’s ecstatic,” said Greenfield.

He won’t be seeing the kids on this trip, but the money raised from sponsors of his trek and donations will go directly to the children.

“You don’t realize how far a little bit goes in a country like that,” said Greenfield.

One U.S. dollar equals about 100 dollars in Kenya.There are 150 kids at the CHI facility. 300 U.S. dollars feeds all those kids for three months.That’s what’s motivating Greenfield to make the 10-day trip up a freezing, dangerous mountain.

“It’s worth it,” said Greenfield.

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Article originally published at PAHomepage here
By: Haley Bianco
Date: Oct 18, 2017 06:00 PM EDT