Max Altitude.
Max Attitude.
Minimum Perfection.
Every Climb Is A ComebackWho I Am
My name is Sam. I am a 16yo teen climber who lives in western Colorado.
When I was 11, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
When I was 12, I spent half a year in rehab for mental health and substance use issues.
I have been sober, stable, and strong since I came home in January 2023.
Now? My goal is to show that my diagnosis and past doesn’t define how high I can climb.
Tell Me More
What does BARE MAXIMUM mean?
1
Bare Maximum is the space between the bare minimum and absolute perfection. It means you don’t have to be the best at everything. Show up, do the work, love what you love, and give it everything you’ve got that day, even if that’s not much. Life doesn’t wait for perfect.
What are you fundraising for?
2
Your support gets me to the summits and supports other teens like me. Funds cover the real costs of my expeditions, starting with Pico de Orizaba in January 2027: travel, gear, and guides.
Every dollar beyond those costs goes straight to two nonprofits that mean a lot to me. Riding on Insulin gets young kids with T1D onto the ski slopes, and Young People in Recovery builds peer-led recovery communities for teens with a history of substance use disorder.
How long have you been climbing?
3
My first visit to a real climbing gym was in Brevard, NC as part of my graduation from a wilderness therapy program. I was hooked. I joined my local middle school team as soon as I got home from treatment in 7th grade, and I have been climbing ever since.
I compete through the ASCL (American Scholastic Climbing League) with my high school team. I made the Varsity team as a freshman, and I went to State and National Championships as both a freshman and a sophomore.
I started seriously climbing outdoors this summer, and I just hit my first 5.12 in October (No Intent in Penitente Canyon, CO). I also did my first 7 14ers this summer.
What is your next big adventure?
4
I am heading to Pico de Orizaba (18,491ft) in Mexico in January 2027—the 3rd highest peak in North America! I am aiming to be the youngest T1D to summit Pico. I’m stoked to work with Mountain Trip to help me reach this goal.
Let’s Connect…
Want to sponsor a climb, bring Sam to speak, have him on your podcast, share his story in print, or just say hi? Drop a note below. We read everything.
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