This July, at only 16 years old, I will be climbing Mount Elbrus to support children fighting cancer.

For me, this climb is more than just an adventure, it is an opportunity to turn something I love into hope for children who are fighting battles far greater than any mountain.

My name is Joe Abi Azar, and I have been practicing mountaineering since I was 12 years old, following in the footsteps of my father, who has been climbing for over 25 years. In 2024, I became the youngest Lebanese to summit Mount Ararat, the second-highest mountain in the Middle East.

But this year feels different.

With everything Lebanon has been facing, war, hardships, and uncertainty, I wanted this climb to carry a greater purpose.

Climbing has given me happiness, strength, unforgettable memories, and the freedom to dream beyond limits. Yet many children battling cancer do not have the chance to experience life so freely. Through this journey, I hope to share that joy, raise awareness, and support the incredible children fighting every day with courage and hope.

That is why I am dedicating this climb to the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon.

Because cancer doesn’t wait!

Support this journey and donate to the Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon,  where you can help give children hope, strength, and the chance to dream of a brighter future.