Heart Transplant Recipient Scales Mt. Kilimanjaro

A 40-year-old Laguna Niguel, CA woman who 6 years ago became a heart transplant recipient has successfully scaled one of the world's highest mountains, 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kelly Perkins, accompanied most of the way by her husband, Craig, made it to Kilimanjaro's highest point, Uhuru Peak, after a seven-day ascent that covered about 45 miles.

The 5-foot-3 Perkins, who began her post-transplant climbs in 1996 by reaching the top of 8,842-foot Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, also has scaled 14,495-foot Mount Whitney in California and 12,388-foot Mount Fuji in Japan.

"All the mountains we've climbed have been symbolic," said Craig Perkins. "They have helped us carry the story of Kelly's recovery and promote organ donation.

"It doesn't mean everyone is going to climb Kilimanjaro. But maybe this will provide a sense of additional freedom for other transplant recipients or people with chronic illnesses or other obstacles in their lives," he added.

Other sources: AP