The trailhead at Lukla
By Dr. Brian Harsha
Dr. Brian Harsha, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was so inspired after reading “Little Princes” by Next Generation Nepal founder Conor Grennan that he turned a trek to Everest Base Camp into an NGN fundraiser. His goal: To help NGN with its ongoing mission to reconnect trafficked children with their families. Here’s his story in his own words and photos.
Suddenly, I was going to Everest. I’m not a climber, but every May I get on the Internet and follow the dispatches from expeditions climbing Mt. Everest in Nepal. This is generally the time of year when the winds are light enough and the temperatures mild enough (30 degrees below zero Fahrenheit) to allow humans to briefly stand at the summit of the world.
The village of Loboje
The dispatches are fascinating because they contain both the triumph and the tragedy of the human spirit. Some climbers are successful in their quest while others are not. Some may not even survive the ordeal. Now a friend was going to Everest Base Camp and he invited me along. The adventure of a lifetime. But it would be more than just an adventure.
As a University of Virginia alumnus, I was familiar with fellow alum and Next Generation Nepal founder Conor Grennan. His book “Little Princes” was released in the United States around the time I was preparing for my trip and, suddenly, my adventure also had a worthwhile purpose.
Climbing up from Namche Bazaar
Certainly I could spend a few minutes of my time telling friends and acquaintances about Next Generation Nepal. I knew friends would want to follow my trip as much as possible, so I set up a blog and made NGN a part of it, asking friends to pledge their support. I also contacted NGN Executive Director Hallie Tamez, who was extremely helpful, not only providing materials to distribute to friends, but offering ideas and encouragement.
My trekking companion and I left for Nepal at the end of April. We spent the first few days in Kathmandu, the bustling economic center of Nepal that many Nepalis consider a place of opportunity. As a result, the population of the country’s capital, now over four million, continues to swell.
Tengboche with Everest in the background
After a short—and fortunately uneventful—flight to Lukla, we began a 15-day trek that would take us to the doorstep of the world’s tallest mountain. Our Sherpa guides, who were from the area, introduced us to a great many locals as we hiked through numerous small villages, and I have to say that the people of Nepal are some of the friendliest, kindest and hardest working I’ve ever met. Everywhere we went we saw school kids laughing and playing surrounded by some of the toughest geography I’ve ever seen and yet every piece of flat land I saw was put to some use. The sights were unforgettable, the mountains incredible.
After the trek, we returned to Kathmandu where I was fortunate enough to actually meet Hallie and discuss some of the wonderful things NGN is doing. Having seen both Kathmandu and rural villages, I am convinced NGN is on the right track. The future of trafficked children does not lie in the dirty streets of Kathmandu. It lies in the hills and valleys where they were born. NGN’s establishment of a transitional home in Simikot, Humla, where most of the trafficked children under NGN’s care originate, will help speed the reunification of children with their families and their reintegration into communities that live off Nepal’s resources.
The monument at Everest Base Camp
The most exciting thing I learned, however, is how easy it is for anyone to help. For amounts of money that we would almost take for granted, children’s lives can be changed. Every contribution makes a difference. Now, with plenty of pictures to share, I have an even greater story to tell.
You, Too, Can Change a Child’s Life
If you’d like to help us help the lost children of Nepal, Donate directly or explore our Fundraiser Toolkit for ideas on how to create your own NGN fundraiser. | 
