Julie McKelvey set out to do something few people in the world have ever done: climb the highest mountain on every continent. By the end of her journey, she had done far more than complete an elite mountaineering challenge—she changed lives through the Gift of Sound.

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In December 2023, Julie completed her Seven Summits journey by reaching the top of Mount Kosciuszko in Australia. With that final climb, she became one of fewer than 100 women—and fewer than 500 people total—to summit the highest peaks on all seven continents, including Mount Everest, Denali, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Elbrus, Vinson, and Kosciuszko.
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Throughout this multi-year journey, Julie used each climb as a platform to raise funds and awareness for the Miracle-Ear Foundation. A longtime supporter of the Foundation, Julie previously served on its Board and owned more than 30 Miracle-Ear hearing centers across Pennsylvania. Through her Summit for Sound fundraising initiative, she raised more than $250,000 to help provide free hearing aids to children and adults who otherwise could not afford them.
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Julie’s passion for climbing began later in life, when she summited Mount Fuji at age 48. What started as a personal challenge quickly became something larger. As she progressed from mountain to mountain, Julie intentionally tied each climb to the Foundation’s mission—ensuring her accomplishments translated into meaningful, life-changing impact for others.

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“For people who are hearing impaired, the ability to finally hear is their summit,” Julie has said. “Me reaching the top of a mountain is no different than someone overcoming a health challenge or pursuing a lifelong dream.”

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“Julie’s commitment reflects the heart of the Miracle-Ear Foundation,” said Jana Anderson, Director of the Miracle-Ear Foundation. “She has combined determination, generosity, and purpose in a way that continues to change lives through the Gift of Sound.”
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Julie’s Seven Summits journey may be complete, but Summit for Sound continues to stand as a powerful example of what’s possible when passion and purpose come together, enhancing lives and helping more people hear the moments that matter most.