Spenser ( center ) trained hard in order to reach the 7,300-foot summit of Mount Kosciuszko. your physical health,” Spenser said of his ongoing recovery and the lofty physical goals he has set for himself. Next, Kainoa Spenser joined K2 Adventures and Jesse Holland on a trip to Mount Kosciuszko, Australia’s highest mountain. Flanked by Holland and master mountain guide Kevin Cherilla from K2 Adventures, Spenser made the climb with a mix of a specialized recumbent bike and the use of prosthetics. He made it to the highest peak on the continent and Cherilla said there was not a dry eye on the summit. Spenser later posted on his Facebook page: “On December 15 th , 2018, I had the opportunity to summit Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, which is one of the 7 summits of the world! We completed the summit in 3 hours and 15 minutes! Thank you so much to all of the incredible organizations and people that it took to make this happen .... Thank you so much to everyone who has been there from the beginning .... Our lives truly change when we surround ourselves with the right TRIBE! I just happen to have the best tribe around!” FIND YOUR TRIBE AND LOVE THEM HARD The Arizona community has rallied around Kainoa Spenser and his family using the hashtag #LiveLikeKainoa. This has been life-changing for the Spensers. Kainoa’s mom, dad and younger brother have been right by his side, but their journey has not been easy and the family has not been without some very dark days. Spenser is open about the fact that he allows himself to be depressed at times — as long as there is an end date. “Nothing is wrong with having those [dark days], but the best part is knowing that it’s going to end. And setting the end date,” Spenser said. “You can feel bad for yourself, and eat the worst food for yourself, and watch all the movies you want, and sit on the couch. But know on Monday when you wake up that’s the end, and you are moving forward.” Spenser has become an inspiration to the Arizona community where he now lives, to the Seton Hall community in New Jersey where he previously went to school, and also for people all over the world who have discovered his story through TV interviews, social media and podcasts. Spenser credits focus and faith. “I have a major connection with God,” Spenser said. “There’s something greater for this purpose and you have to find those motivating factors outside of yourself.” To hear Spenserʼs full interview, visit inspiredmedia360.com . CAREY ’ S CORNER CONTINUED Carey Peña CONTRIBUTING WRITER @CareyPenaTV 18 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JANUARY 2019

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