The 2024 Everest Team

My name is Tonya Dreher, founder of the original Everest to End Duchenne and mother to Gus, age 18. Gus lives with Duchenne and is the inspiration behind every single fundraiser done through the Hope for Gus Foundation. We created the foundation after Gus’ diagnosis and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for medical research for DMD. ETED 2024 is my 6th time taking a team to trek to Everest Base Camp. Every time, it its an honor to read the names of 100’s who suffer from DMD when we reach our destination.

My name is Sofia, 44. Swedish living in Norway the last 20 years or so.
Have 2 kids. Leon 16 years old living with Duchenne, and his little sister Ella 14 years old.
I love being out in the nature, been to Peru twice. Up in the mountains and down to the rainforest.
I travel as often as I can. Love to see new places and meet new people.
I do this trek for all those boys who can’t. To spread the word about Duchenne. And pay attention to this, so that more money can go to research for a cure! In Norway almost no one knows about Duchenne. When I talk about no one knows what Duchenne is!
I have a dream for a cure.

My name is Paul McGrath and I live in Wolcott, VT. I had an opportunity almost a decade ago to go on the first Everest to End Duchenne trip, and didn’t end up doing it. I regretted it ever since, and when Tonya was setting up last year’s trek, I jumped on it. The 2023 trip changed my life in many ways. First and foremost, even though I’ve known the Dreher’s for 25 years, I didn’t know much about Duchenne. This trip changed that immensely and showed me the importance of the work and fundraising (we raised $65k last year) that needs to happen for this disease. I also got the opportunity to spend time with several people on this trek who continue to inspire me to be better. Their stories and “grab your bootstraps” attitudes shed perspective on what is important and what real challenges are. Lastly, the trip itself was amazing. Reading the names at Base Camp and seeing the sunrise over Everest were moments I’ll never forget. Both brought a 52-year-old guy to tears. I can’t wait for this trip in November, the rigors of EBC, Kala Patthar, and Lobuche, and really look forward to seeing friends from last year while making new ones at the same time.

My name is Emma Carpenter, I am 20 years old. I graduated in 2022, Since then I have been working and traveling when I can. Once I heard about a trek to EBC I knew I had to join, as an avid runner and hiker this was a bucket list item. This will be my second time trekking in Nepal. Last time I was fortunate enough to reach Annapurna Base Camp with my best friends. This trek will be extra special because it directly supports individuals living with DMD. I am lucky enough to know the Dreher’s and become educated on DMD. I am trekking for those who can’t, I feel honored to be a part of this amazing journey! I am excited to share this adventure with the new faces I meet along the way!

My name is Cathy Fischer-Mueller. I am a teacher who lives in Boston, MA. My wife, Jennifer, and I met Steve and Tonya over 25 years ago. I have been inspired by the work they have done to raise money and awareness for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. This year felt like the right time to do more to support their mission. I am so honored to be a part of this journey and especially excited to be taking part in Everest to End Duchenne trek with my daughter, Maya.

My name is Makenna Proctor. I am currently a server at Harlow’s Pub in Peterborough NH. I am a middle child at 19 years old with an older brother and a younger sister. I am joining ETED to support a family friend with DMD and fundraise for the cause along with having the opportunity to experience an amazing journey with amazing people!!

My name is Sarah Molesworth, and I work as the Assistant Librarian at the Etna Library and as a substitute at the Howe Library in Hanover, NH. I am married and mother to a 22 year old daughter and a 19 year old son. We also have a 3 year old Bernese Mountain dog named Ozzie. I have thought a lot about ETED, ever since the opportunity was presented. Ten years ago, I was teaching Kindergarten and one of my students, G, had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. His Dad carried him on annual school hikes, so he could participate with the rest of his classroom and school community. A few years ago, his Mom was instrumental in making a portion of a community hiking trail, wheelchair accessible. G just entered his Freshman year, and he’s 15 years old. He now uses a wheelchair to get around. This trek to Base Camp seems to simulate some of the physical symptoms that children with Duchenne’s experience every day – shortness of breath, and tired muscles. I’m hiking to Everest Base Camp in honor of Gus, G, and all children, adults and families affected by this disease. I hike in hopes for a cure!

I’m Nenad Lalin, a 48-year-old father of 3, living in beautiful Sweden. My oldest son, Victor 13, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy that weakens him physically, yet he is the strongest person I know and handles everything he is put through. Therefore, he is my role model and greatest inspiration.
We are very fortunate to live in a country that provides us with many of the tools and resources needed to ease our everyday life. I am doing this journey to raise awareness of DMD and raise funding that will hopefully improve the lives of children in Nepal that have this horrible condition