Peak Pursuit Summiting Mt. Everest

Submitted photo

When Kevin Leurquin boarded a plane bound for Nepal, he thought his adventure would be about mountains, mission work, and maybe a few cups of ginger tea. He didn’t know it would also lead to the wagging tail and boundless energy of a three-legged dog who would change his life forever. 

It’s a daily reminder of how much we’re capable of when we don’t give up

Kevin, a Wisconsin native and lifelong adventurer, was traveling with Save One Life, a nonprofit that supports people with bleeding disorders in under-resourced countries. For Kevin, this cause is deeply personal—he has hemophilia, a condition that affects the blood’s ability to clot.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

“I wanted to meet others living with the same challenges I have, and see how they navigate life in such different circumstances," Kevin says.

Submitted photo

The trip was part humanitarian mission, part bucket-list trek: a 10-day, 80-mile journey to Everest Base Camp. For a self-described “flatlander from Green Bay,” the route’s steep inclines, suspension bridges, and thin air were challenging—but also breathtaking. Days were spent hiking through remote villages, nights filled with camaraderie over card games, tea, and laughter.

“The people were so warm, the views were surreal, and every step felt like it meant something,” Kevin recalls. 

This wasn’t a small feat for someone who once faced the prospect of living with a permanent limp. Years earlier, severe ankle arthritis had threatened to end his active lifestyle. Doctors told him to accept his limitations, but Kevin refused. Instead, he found a custom orthotic brace that changed everything—allowing him to hike, run, and push further than ever before. 

The Everest trek also carried deep personal meaning. Kevin carried his father’s memory on his pack and the ashes of his beloved dog, Driver, in a small container. At a glacial stream, he scattered Driver’s ashes, a quiet tribute in one of the most spectacular places on Earth. 

On his final day in Kathmandu, Kevin visited a local animal shelter. That’s where he met her—Summit. A tiny, three-month-old pup, missing a leg after being hit by a car, bounded right up to him.

"She was the first one to greet me,” Kevin says.

The connection was instant, but bringing her home took seven months of coordination with rescue groups and the CDC. Eventually, with the help of Temple Dog Rescue, Summit made the journey to Wisconsin. 

Now, Summit is Kevin’s constant hiking buddy. Whether it’s a 10-mile trail run or a casual stroll, she keeps pace with effortless joy—and still has energy to dig holes in the backyard afterward. Her resilience mirrors Kevin’s own.

“She doesn’t let anything slow her down,” he says. “It’s a daily reminder of how much we’re capable of when we don’t give up.” 

From the mountains of Nepal to the forests of Wisconsin, Kevin and Summit continue their adventures together. What began as a mission to help others became a personal story of perseverance, healing, and an unlikely friendship forged halfway around the world. 

You can follow Kevin’s ongoing adventures (and plenty of Summit’s trail antics) on Instagram at @Kevin_Leurquin.