When I decided to attempt McKinley, I knew there would be an element of risk. Soon after I went blind, crossing a road, catching a bus or going on a first job interview was a great risk.
Risk is part of a mountain experience too.
It cannot be avoided, but it can be minimized through preparation. The greatest risk I ever took was deciding at 16 to rock climb. I went with a group of blind people in a recreational program for the blind. The leaders had the idea that blind people, given the opportunity to take risks and challenge themselves would, as a result, become more independent and successful adults. I had no idea whether I could rock climb or not, but I did have faith that somehow I could live the life that I had envisioned for myself.