Kili Class
2024 Conquering Kili Class
Role
Clean Water Advocate
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Barry is a neonatal/pediatric respiratory therapist with a majority of his career spent working at the highest ranked Children’s Hospital in Virginia at UVA Health. In his career, he has provided service to vulnerable children and families while acting in a leadership role as a member of the Children’s hospital RT team. Additionally, Barry has served on a medical mission in Honduras with the Friends of Barnabas Foundation in 2019.
Barry holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Respiratory therapy focus from Millersville University in Pennsylvania. His wife Cathy is also an MU graduate. Barry and Cathy have three children: Hannah, Kelly, and Evan. Hannah is currently serving in Sasebo, Japan in the United States Navy. Kelly is finishing her undergraduate degree at Mary Washington University with her graduation coming this Spring. Evan has just started his freshman year at Christopher Newport University this year. All are gifted cross country/ track and field athletes with good performances in high school and college.
Barry also enjoys success in endurance sports including running, cycling, and triathlon. He is a 2023 Ironman All World Athlete, a two-time Boston Marathon Finisher, and a USA Triathlon All-American. Barry is humbled and thrilled to have an opportunity to utilize his giftings as an athlete in “Conquering Kili” to raise money and contribute to the clean water crisis that exists in Africa. All funds raised will go to creating sustainable clean water wells that will be built in surrounding African communities near Mount Kilimanjaro. Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a journey that represents the strenuous work, climb and steps these communities take daily just to get any water for their families. Barry is very passionate to be able to help these individuals and is asking for your help to leave a lasting impact that will improve the health and lives of these native Africans. He will be completing this journey with a group of fellow athletes and military combat veterans who have come together with a common resolve to leave a lasting impact on those who need it most.
Each new Conquering Kili class accepts the challenge to embark for the summit, a walk that represents the miles that many African women journey on a daily basis to fetch water for their families. While training for the climb, each team member works to raise funds and transform communities through the gift of clean water.