Everest Climber and Kidney Donor Sets U.S. Record at Age 55
A retired Air Force colonel who donated his kidney in 2017 went on to climb Mount Everest and set a Guinness World Record with fellow organ donors. Dave Ashley will share his inspiring journey at a free event in Waverly, Iowa this September.
When Dave Ashley gave his kidney to a West Point classmate in 2017, he had no idea that act of generosity would launch him into a life of record-breaking adventure.
The retired Air Force colonel didn't slow down after his military career. Instead, he climbed the world's tallest mountains, won national championships, and set a Guinness World Record alongside other living kidney donors.
On September 19, Ashley will share his story at CrawDaddy Outdoors in Waverly, Iowa. The free event starts at 11 a.m. and includes a Q&A session where attendees can ask about his remarkable journey.
After donating his kidney, Ashley decided to push his physical limits in ways he'd never imagined during his military service. He summited Mount Everest and conquered the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent.
He also climbed Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain at over 27,000 feet. In 2019, he won the USA Adventure Racing National Championship in the Master's Division, proving that age is just a number.
Why This Inspires
Ashley's Guinness World Record stands out because of who stood beside him. He and a group of fellow living kidney donors climbed the highest point in all 50 U.S. states, showing the world that organ donation doesn't mean the end of an active life.
The West Point graduate and father of two daughters now runs DASH Adventures, a veteran-owned business he founded in 2023. His company partners with local guides worldwide to offer authentic trekking experiences at affordable prices.
"His journey from military service to world-record mountaineering is the kind of adventure that inspires people to get outside and challenge themselves," said Jamie Borglum, owner of CrawDaddy Outdoors.
Ashley's message resonates especially in Iowa's outdoor community, where CrawDaddy has served adventurers since 2005. The store specializes in kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and camping gear, making it the perfect venue for Ashley's talk.
The September event comes as DASH Adventures plans several joint trips with CrawDaddy Outdoors in 2027, giving Iowa adventurers a chance to explore new terrain with expert guidance.
Ashley proves that life's biggest challenges can become launching pads for extraordinary achievements.
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Based on reporting by Google News - World Record
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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