Climbing The World's Highest Peaks To End Human Trafficking
BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)—Very few people get to say their achievement is the first of its kind in the world.
As Mike Schuh explains, a Baltimore man is risking his life to try, and help humanity along the way.
At the top of the world, -15 degrees is a warm day and death is not far from every step-- the thin air daring you to take another.
Nick Cienski, Under Armor's top technical designer, is back, after a 20-year break, climbing the world's highest peaks.
Schuh: How would you describe Baltimore's terrain?
Cienski: Flatter, flatter than what I'm used to.
While on a church trip to Nicaragua a few years ago, he saw something that would change his life. Families living in an open air dump.
"Unbelievable poverty, and some of these families would sell their children into work gangs and sex slavery gangs," said Cienski.
But how do those horrors turn into a pathway to the heavens?
"So for the first time in my life, I feel compelled, beyond what is normal to make a difference," Cienski said.
He formed the non-profit Mission 14. It raises money to reintegrate sex slaves and others back into their communities. Corporations are spending a million dollars so Ceinski can break world records. He'll climb 6 of the highest mountains within a year.
"Going on one expedition is difficult, doing 6 expeditions back to back is very difficult," said Cienski.
His attempt will be followed around the globe by fans he believes will donate to fight human trafficking. He may not succeed.
"There's some skepticism out there if this is possible," Cienski says. "I am nervous."
6 summits or not, his quest will probably succeed in motivating ordinary people to open their hearts as well as their wallets.
"We find strength in our faith that's really what gives us the courage to go down this road," said Cienski.
In two weeks he leaves for Argentina for a training climb of the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere.
His 6-month expedition begins in March.
For more information of Mission 14 visit: http://mission14.org/
