Man faces Mt. Kilimanjaro to help others reach new heights

VERNON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) -- A suburban college student who has overcome serious health problems is now taking on another challenge. Eric Oberwise, 22, plans on conquering one of the world's highest peaks: Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Almost two years ago, Oberwise was diagnosed with a rare medical condition that cost him half of his large intestine. A young man's outlook on life changed.

"Sometimes when you're faced with your own mortality, things become infinitely more clear as to what you appreciate and what you don't," Oberwise said.

Oberwise talks about the personal mountains we all climb. Beyond the metaphor, in a couple months Oberwise will be climbing a real mountain: Mt. Kilimanjaro. The rooftop of Africa is at 19,000 plus and the oxygen is half of what we flatlanders enjoy just above sea level.

Oberwise will be climbing with a young lady, Katie Taylor, who's defied the assessment that she'd never walk again after a skiing accident four years ago. Together, they'll be on the Marangu route to the top raising money for an organization called May We Help.

May We Help assists in engineering devices for the disabled. The organization's motto is inventing independence.

"Those with disabilities face enormous obstacles every day. It's just a really great symbol of her climbing to show that other people can do it, too, and that's what May We Help does. It helps other people to conquer their own mountains," Oberwise said.

The Marangu route can be grueling with weather changes that are unforgiving. Legs and lungs can cry, but the reward of being above the clouds and seeing sun's first light is divine.

What will happen at the top?

"Probably going to be lots of hugs. A few tears will be shed, probably, around the group," Oberwise said.

For Oberwise, who is pursuing a career in bio-medical engineering, the trip to Kili's top says, "I'm back. I'm better. And I'm prepared to make a difference."