#20: Kirstie Ennis: Reaching for the Sky
Kirstie Ennis is a former Marine who survived a helicopter crash while serving the U.S. in Afghanistan. This crash resulted in Ennis having her left leg amputated above her knee, a traumatic brain injury, as well as dozens of surgeries. Instead of letting her circumstances get her down, she found a new passion: mountain climbing. She is now an avid mountain climber and is working towards the goal of climbing all Seven Summits like Junko Tabei.
Ennis is not only passionate about climbing. She’s passionate about sharing her love for the outdoors with others. In 2018, she established a foundation that gives grants to nonprofits that work with veteran and disabled communities. Her goal is to make outdoor sports more accessible and to break down barriers people with disabilities face when participating in sports.