State highpointing is the activity of reaching the highest natural point in a given state. The ascents range from easy drive-ups like Delaware (where you literally drive to within a few feet of the highpoint) to Denali in Alaska which requires high altitude mountaineering equipment and experience. Less than 400 people have completed all 50 United States highpoints, with approximately 10 new climbers joining the exclusive club each year.
Kellisa has completed 22 state highpoints and I'm confident that I can safely get her to the top of an additional 7 and if everything lines up perfectly, there are 4 highpoints in the west that may be reachable with the right planning and mobility chair. I believe 33 is the upper limit of state summits for someone in a wheelchair with major assistance.
I suppose you could hire a helicopter or a large team of climbers to carry someone in a wheelchair to the summit, but that does not interest us due to the danger and the idea of being dependent on many others.
We will be happy if Kellisa can reach 29 and overjoyed if we can get her to the top of 33 states. Stay tuned!
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| Timms Hill, Wisconsin |
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| Kellisa - October 2018 |
Kellisa was born on May 23, 1999
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL
Birth Weight: 2 pounds, 1ounce
25 Week Micro Preemie
Primary Diagnoses: Hydrocephalus, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Developmental Delays
Surgeries: Shunt (10), Gastrostomy Tube (4), Hips (4), Eyes (2), Breast (1), Heart (1), Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy (1)
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“I’ve been wondering about traveling the world with my Micro Preemie. It took me a long time to feel OK about taking her outside of our little bubble. It felt like a huge deal to be on a plane together and going across the country. Your story is giving me hope that travel is possible, and we should keep trying to get out there! I promised my daughter that if she survived, I would show her the world. I don’t think that means being trapped inside a building day after day. I think it means what you guys are doing. This is inspiring!” Cheryl Silinskas (Micro Preemie Mother)
"So much power and love for you Kellisa, you are one courageous person. You actually did stuff that even a non disabled person would be scared to do. Best of luck." Anonymous
"I'm so glad I found this site today. My wife was injured in car accident (C5 Spinal cord) but we still love to go out and go hiking. We are always searching for accessible trails and this is a great resource!" Anonymous
"This is absolutely awesome on so many levels! Words really can't begin to describe it. A father's strength ... and a daughter's strength ... to not let a disability keep you both from dreaming big and doing big! Big Bend was a beautiful park and the race was a terrific opportunity to visit it. I'm glad you both got to tour the park as participants in the race. So awesome!" Anonymous
"I love this so much. It's amazing what our kids teach us. I've been reading your posts for awhile now. I don't normally comment but I just wanted my support to be known." Anonymous
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Florida
October 2007
15 years ago - While all the little girls were getting butterflies, mermaids, and glittery princesses painted on their faces, Kellisa wanted a vampire bat with blood dripping from one of her fangs.
