Sam Luskin
Advocate and Adventurer
My body is not defined by my autoimmune diseases. My mind is not defined by depression or addiction.
I climb as high as I can.
Autoimmune Ninja
I was diagnosed with psoriasis at 4, Type 1 Diabetes at 11, Celiac Disease at 12, degenerative juvenile arthritis at 15, and I’m working on an Ehrler Danlos Syndrome diagnosis. I am basically a cyborg—I wear 2 medical devices that beep, I eat special foods, I carry literal health potions, and sometimes my joints crack like plastic.
I also climb mountains. I can do a back flip on skis. I used to race my mountain bike. I can do pull ups and deadlift double my weight. And once I lived in the wilderness for 94 days with no technology at all.
I never understood why my medical conditions were supposed to tell me I wasn’t supposed to do something. I figure it out. It’s usually just logistics and planning. Sometimes, it’s how I feel physically, and I figure that out too.
Recovery Warrior
When I was 12, I fell into a hole. I started using substances to try to feel normal. It didn’t work. In less than 6 months, I was addicted, suicidal, and sick.
I spent 6 months in rehab. 5 programs, 4 states. I realized I wanted to stay alive. And in a wilderness therapy program in North Carolina, I decided I wanted to live. Preferably outside. My first time rock climbing was part of my program’s graduation.
That’s a big growth arc for a teenager. But my time in treatment will always be part of who I am. So many teens don’t get a chance to choose recovery. I will always tell my story because it might give some kid hope that they can find a way out, too. My way out was outside.
Now?
I’m not here because everything went right. I’m here because I went anyway. Life isn’t about perfect moments. For most of us, some of the best moments of our lives are connected to the hardest, worst, most painful, scariest moments. Like when your snot is frozen and you hurt everywhere and you are pushing away the fear from the cliff edge, and then you are suddenly on top of a mountain.
Every climb is a comeback.
The Next Trip -
Pico de Orizaba, Mexico
Pico de Orizaba is the 3rd highest peak in North America and the tallest volcano in the continent at 18,491 ft. The Aztec name means ‘Star Mountain.’
I plan to climb with Mountain Trip in January 2027. I am aiming to be the youngest Type 1 Diabetic to summit this peak.
The trip is 8 days, and we will summit Cerro de Miguel (12,316ft) and Volcan la Malinche (14,635ft) as preparation. I expect the actual peak day for Pico de Orizaba to take 10-12 hours, starting at 3am.
This is a true alpine experience on a glacier with a heavy pack, and good gear will be critical at keeping me warm and healthy.