Otmj Thursday, August 13, 2015
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Stewart Still Hopes to Reach Everest Peak Kent Stewart was in Nepal, preparing for his second attempt to climb Mount Everest, when a devastating earthquake in the area killed thousands and injured countless others. He was in a base camp tent eating a meal when the quake struck. The Seven Summits Foundation Stewart founded in 2007 has raised close to $85,000 for victims of the earthquake. For more information, visit www.sevensummitsfoundation.com.
By Lee Davis
A
s an experienced mountain climber who has reached the highest peaks on six continents, Mountain Brook businessman and lawyer Kent Stewart is accustomed to being close to danger. But no experience could have prepared him for the events of April. Stewart was in Nepal preparing for his second attempt to climb Mount Everest when a devastating
earthquake in the area killed thousands and injured countless others. He was in a base camp tent eating a meal when the quake struck. “The feeling was hard to explain,” Stewart said. “It was obvious it was an earthquake. Nothing else could feel like that.” Miraculously, Stewart and his team were unharmed. But devastation, death and injuries were everywhere. Most of the base camp was destroyed. Stewart and others worked around the clock to help doctors and nurses. “The climbers at the base camp
all pulled together,” he said. “Whatever the doctors needed, we tried to do. We didn’t have any training but were the only choice.” When contacted last week, Stewart said the passing months have given him a new perspective on the tragedy. “I’ve had a chance to process everything,” he said. “For a while it was all a blur, but not anymore. Being in a Ground Zero type situation is something you don’t ever expect to happen.” As traumatic as the earthquake was, Stewart said See stewart, page 9
inside
A lockerbie diy Mountain Brook couple creates dream home from fixer-upper. home Page 19
holy grounds The Abbey in Avondale combines coffee, church. food Page 22
Finding home International families find their place in OTM schools and communities. schools Page 24