Spencer West stands as living proof that limits can be redefined. At five years old, doctors amputated his legs and warned he would never sit up, walk, or participate fully in society. He refused that forecast and turned it into a mission: to turn hardship into hope and to inspire millions with a message of possibility. Over the years, he has become a Me to We motivational speaker, an author, and a catalyst for change. His focus became a challenge meant to test him and others alike: scaling Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
A photograph captures Spencer West in Kenya, captured for Me to We.
Me to We sat down with Spencer to discuss his work with Free the Children and Me to We and the climb looming ahead.
How did Spencer West become involved with Free the Children and Me to We?
He first learned about Me to We through a close friend, Reed Cowan, who in 2008 invited him on a volunteer trip to Kenya to help build a school. That journey altered his life in ways he had never imagined and set the course for years of advocacy.
In Kenya, he visited a Free The Children school in Emori Joi. Upon arrival, he was surrounded by curious students asking questions, including, “Where are your legs?” One moment stood out—a young girl said she did not know that people like him could face such challenges. That encounter helped him see a deeper purpose for his life. He realized his story could teach young people that obstacles can be overcome and that anyone can offer a helping hand, no matter their background or color.
Climbing a mountain is never easy, with or without obstacles. What inspired the climb to Kilimanjaro?
That past summer, while leading a group of 30 students, he witnessed the region’s worst drought in East Africa in more than six decades. The experience sparked the idea to climb Kilimanjaro and to launch the Redefine Possible campaign, a call to give back to the community that shaped his purpose and passion.
How can people support you and how will their donations help Free the Children?
Supporters can follow the journey through updates and videos and show support by donating to the cause, with sponsorships helping to move the near 20,000-step climb forward. The funds would support Free The Children’s long term Adopt a Village model, specifically clean water and sanitation programs that bring local water sources and facilities. Access to clean water reduces disease and frees children from long treks to fetch water, allowing them to attend school.
You are doing this climb with two friends. How did you convince them to join and how will they help?
West will climb Kilimanjaro with his two best friends, David Johnson and Alex Meers, both met through Free The Children and Me to We. They are more than friends; they are brothers who share a commitment to the cause. When the idea took shape, both agreed immediately to take on the challenge together. They will support one another whether he climbs in a wheelchair, on his hands, or with the assistance of his friends.
Left to Right Alex Meers, Spencer West and David Johnson — Me to We.
You wrote a book called Standing Tall: My Journey. What message do you hope readers take away from it?
His autobiography, Standing Tall: My Journey, chronicles the challenges faced and the resilience built along the way. It is a reminder that abilities or origin do not determine potential. With hard work, perseverance, and a good sense of humor, people can achieve extraordinary things, and Spencer West stands as living proof.
How can youth redefine possible?
Through the Redefine Possible mission, West continues to climb Kilimanjaro and raise funds for Free The Children, inviting others to rethink their own limits in meaningful ways. Redefining possible means different things to different people: learning to swim, picking up a new sport, or taking music lessons; it could also mean joining an international volunteer trip or volunteering at a local food bank. He urges youth to step outside their comfort zone and get involved in issues they care about, whether local or global.
How do you plan on continuing to redefine possible after your climb?
Following the Kilimanjaro ascent, the plan is to stay in Kenya to lead a Me to We Trip, offering participants a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, explore social and environmental issues, and volunteer alongside local communities. While Kilimanjaro was the focus, the future holds many opportunities for continued leadership and impact in youth empowerment.
Thank you, Spencer, and best wishes for the journey ahead.