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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Judy Hart & Natasha Reese
By Callie Thomas
Although life’s challenges can easily cause us to focus on our individual needs, it’s when we look up and around to others that we find our ultimate success. 89052 resident Judy Hart and 89074 resident Natasha Reese each took a moment of their lives and re-focused it on a charitable program that they were introduced to as members of Hope Church called Operation Mobilization. The international mission serves approximately 160 countries around the world and specifically supports at risk women and children who are exploited, enslaved, oppressed and trafficked. After learning of the startling facts about human trafficking, the women were ready to help, which in this case meant to reach the top—that is, the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Hart and Reese became two of the forty-seven women from several countries to make “The Freedom Climb” (thefreedomclimb.net), which would not only raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to assist the effort but bring awareness to this issue. For the first time in Freedom Climb’s history, the percentage of women who reached the top far exceeded typical percentages for groups. Having participated in the extreme fundraising effort has not only made a difference for women and children in need but has enriched their own lives as a result.
Hart and Reese of Las Vegas signed on for the grueling climb with others who came together for a bigger purpose than themselves. The 2012 effort raised $350,000 and brought support to thirty projects around the world, but Hart and Reese aren’t stopping there. They are getting ready to climb another mountain in the next few months; this time, it’s Mt. Everest. Hart and Reese talk about their experiences on the mountain and why saying yes to The Freedom Climb has been a defining moment in their lives.
The Freedom Climb is an enormous undertaking. What prompted you to take the trip to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro?
Hart: “It was an opportunity to give hope to the hopeless and give whatever I could to restore innocence and self worth to young girls and women here in Las Vegas and the world.”
Reese: “The Freedom Climb was my first introduction to the issues of human trafficking and modern day slavery. Once I started reading about victims’ stories, I knew that I had to contribute something and the climb was an opportunity to do so.”
Any experiences you can relay from the climb?
Hart: “As I stood at Uhuru Peak (Swahili for ‘freedom’) I knew my pain from fatigue, lack of oxygen and bruiser headaches would lessen as I descended the mountain. I also knew that the pain for the victims won’t end and the next day would bring more unimaginable horrors. The money we are raising will help to bring awareness and freedom for these women.”
How did you prep for the expedition?
Hart: “Most people are surprised at how little individual physical training I did to prepare. The real preparation to me was getting to know the cause and the other women who would be climbing. Having the support of a team to encourage me when I wanted to quit allowed me to summit.”
Reese: “I enjoy running and I’ve run three marathons and two half marathons. I’ve also made mission trips with Hope Church to Honduras, Thailand and South Africa. I think my belief in Christ is responsible for enabling me to accomplish such things!”
What effect do you think this climb has had on you?
Hart: “When I put my YES on the table to join the Freedom Climb, it was a big turning point in my life and has become my definition of success.”
Reese: “I have had the opportunity to share these issues at churches, Bible studies and on television. My job as a veterinarian has given me ample opportunities to share the climb as well. Once I began having these conversations, people opened up about their own experiences.”
You’ve both signed on for the next Freedom Climb to Mt. Everest. Any inspiration or life lesson you can share with us?
Hart: “Be willing to make yourself available for something you believe in. Surround yourself with other people who believe the same.”
