The expedition to Kilimanjaro undertaken by Sukhdev Hansra, Director, and Carole Roxburgh, Clinical Director of Carbone Clinic UK, holds profound parallels with the work at the Carbone Clinic. Just as climbing Kilimanjaro presented an extraordinary challenge, the Carbone Clinic is dedicated to facing and overcoming challenges and improving the quality of life for persons with autism spectrum disorders.
In both cases, perseverance, determination, and a collaborative spirit are essential. Scaling Kilimanjaro, standing at an elevation of 5,895 meters, requires careful planning, resilience, and a supportive team. Similarly, in the field of autism therapy and intervention, the Carbone Clinic is committed to addressing the unique needs of individuals on the spectrum, navigating the diverse and complex landscape of autism with expertise and compassion.
The parallels extend to the metaphorical ascent of overcoming barriers and reaching new heights. The climb up Kilimanjaro serves as a symbol of the journey individuals and families with autism undertake, aiming for personal growth, development, and a higher quality of life.
This expedition not only highlights the adventurous spirit of the Carbone Clinic's leadership team but also exemplifies the commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and achieving remarkable feats. Just as reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a life-changing experience, the work at the Carbone Clinic aims to bring about transformative changes in the lives of those affected by autism.
The journey, organized by Action Challenge, brought together a
team of 10 participants, a seasoned mountain leader, and a
resolute medic. Following a night's stay at a hotel in Moshi,
Tanzania, the team eagerly embarked on their journey to enter
Kilimanjaro National Park through the Londorossi gate, ready to
embark on the collective pursuit of realizing their dream of
reaching the summit.
At the gate, a hearty welcome awaited them from the support team,
comprising seasoned guides, diligent porters, skilled cooks, and
an efficient camp crew. After a hot lunch, the adventure kicked
off with a 7-kilometer trek through the enchanting rainforest,
where the team had the privilege of encountering Colobus monkeys,
adding a touch of wildlife magic to the journey.
Trekking day 2 was a challenging 17-kilometer journey, testing mettle with a 1,200-meter altitude gain. Moving on from the lush rainforest, the route traversed into the moorland zone and finally embraced the vast expanse of the alpine desert zone.
The Kilimanjaro expedition, particularly the emphasis on the 'Pole Pole' (slowly slowly) pace and the four essential acclimatization techniques, draws compelling parallels to the work at the Carbone Clinic, emphasizing prerequisite skills, an orderly progression, and evidence-based strategies crucial for success.
Adopting the 'Pole Pole' (slowly slowly) pace was key – One among the four imperative techniques for successful acclimatization includes managing pace, ensuring adequate hydration, consuming ample nutrition, and prioritizing rest. While not always a walk in the park, these strategies were vital, especially considering Kilimanjaro's formidable challenge and its less-than-100% success rate. Kilimanjaro boasts an overall success rate of 65%, with 5-day routes challenging at 27%. The chosen seven-day Lemosho route, with a 64% success rate, gave the team a fighting chance.
The 'Pole Pole' mindset observed during the Kilimanjaro expedition mirrors the deliberate, step-by-step approach in ABA therapy, emphasizing the importance of gradual and sustainable progress. Analogous to the meticulous route selection on Kilimanjaro, the Carbone Clinic employs tailored and evidence-based approaches in autism therapy, rooted in the principles of behavior analysis. Much like choosing the Lemosho route for its higher success rate, the selection of evidence-based interventions is akin to aligning strategies with an individual's unique strengths and challenges. This reflects a commitment to customization, recognizing that personalized strategies significantly enhance the likelihood of therapeutic success.
In a parallel narrative to the challenges faced during the Kilimanjaro expedition, the emergence of altitude sickness reflects the unexpected hurdles individuals and families may encounter on their autism therapy journey. Despite these adversities, the unwavering determination and guidance provided by the skilled professionals at the Carbone clinic serve as the guiding force, propelling individuals forward in their pursuit of developmental milestones
Day 3 brought further acclimatization training, reaching Lava Tower at 4,630 meters before descending to Barranco camp at 3,972 meters. Climbing high and camping low helps a body to adjust to the increasing altitude in a safer manner. While training for altitude, the team was treated to breathtaking scenery as they progressed towards the Barranco camp.
Day 4 unfolded with the team facing the Barranco wall, a thrilling volcanic rock scramble, and the iconic 'kissing stone.' It quickly became the favourite day for most of the team.
Following a thrilling ascent of the Barranco wall, the weather cleared at the summit, revealing a breathtaking glimpse of Kilimanjaro's majestic peak.
A collective sense of joy enveloped the team as they triumphantly reached the pinnacle of the Barranco wall.
After enduring a bout of torrential rain before reaching Karanga camp, the team revelled in a welcome sunny break in the afternoon. This precious window not only allowed the team to dry their gear before the final summit push but also provided the luxury of settling down and easing tired feet into a soothing bowl of hot water. Pure bliss!
Day 5 of the trek centered on reaching Barafu camp at 4,600 meters, to prepare for the summit push.
Following an early dinner, the team took a short rest in camp, only to rise at 10 pm for the start of summit day. Marching in single file with headtorches illuminating the path until sunrise, the most challenging and coldest stretch of the trek unfolded under the glow of torchlight.
As the first rays of sunlight broke, the team neared Stella Point at 5,730 meters. Here, they paused briefly for a reviving break, sipping ginger tea and savouring snacks before embarking on the final ascent to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters
Fuelled by a hot drink, the team embarked on the ultimate ascent to Uhuru Peak, navigating through an endless path of snow-capped beauty to arrive at 7:55am on Thursday 25th January 2024.
The jubilant scene at the summit unfolded into a crescendo of shared triumph, marked by an unforgettable group photo. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Kilimanjaro's majestic summit, the team stood together, a tapestry of emotions etched across their faces. In that fleeting moment, amidst the crisp mountain air and the sun casting its first rays, the photograph encapsulated more than just a successful climb; it encapsulated a journey of endurance, camaraderie, and the resilience that fuelled each step to Uhuru Peak.
This collective snapshot serves as a poignant metaphor for our work, symbolizing the cherished victories achieved through collaborative efforts. It underscores the importance of the bonds we forge within our team and serves as a reminder that, much like scaling Kilimanjaro, our successes are not merely individual conquests but the result of a united and cohesive team effort.
The descent commenced, with a brief pause at Barafu camp for a short rejuvenating nap and a satisfying lunch. After this short interlude, the journey resumed downward to the final camp, High camp, a return to altitude of 3,950 metres and celebratory cake!
On the seventh day of the trek, the sun cast its warm glow upon the team as they made their final journey out of Kilimanjaro National Park.
On the concluding descent day, we retraced our steps through the rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate amidst jubilant celebrations. This marked the culmination of an extraordinary journey to the summit of Africa's roof.
In essence, the triumphant ascent of the Kilimanjaro expedition serves as a powerful parallel to the unwavering commitment and collaborative effort witnessed at the Carbone Clinic. Every step conquered, each challenge overcome, contributes significantly to the transformative journey of individuals and their families navigating the intricate landscape of the autism spectrum. Beyond representing a mere physical accomplishment, the summit symbolizes a shared pursuit of continuous improvement in the overall quality of life. It is a testament to the resilience, perseverance, and collective spirit that propels both the Kilimanjaro climbers and the individuals engaged in the therapeutic journey at the Carbone Clinic toward the realization of their highest potentials and a brighter future.
