Mount Everest Bound Fitness Instructor Trying To Help Rural Communities In Nepal

"My phone exploded when I turned it on when I landed in China, because I hadn’t given my parents my itinerary, so they didn’t know if I had already landed in Kathmandu".

The fitness instructor and hiker was heading to Mount Everest to meet with her climbing partner Ashleigh.

Hammond heeded warnings for US citizens to not travel into Nepal and came home but still wants to help.

"What’s nuts is that monsoon season starts in 3 weeks there and no one has anyone shelter, the news is just focusing on  Kathmandu, but it’s really the rural areas that need helicopter supplies".

Along with hiking partner Ashleigh who is still in Nepal, the pair have helped raised 8000 dollars through this website.

Members here at Iron Tribe Fitness say they were incredibly concerned and distraught knowing a member of their team was thousands of miles from home and in danger.

Chris Oakley, Iron Tribe Fitness, "It was nerve-wracking i was in the middle of moving apartments and it was very surreal i didn’t even realize that she didn’t know that was going on at the time as she was in the air, it was nerve-wracking, didn’t know what she was going to do or if she was going to be safe".

Ann-marie Riley,Iron Tribe Fitness,"That whole day went by didn’t hear from her until 5 or 6pm, found out she was in China and safe so updated everyone here at Iron Tribe letting them know they should continue praying for her".

Both Senator Bob Corker and Lester Munson of the senate’s foreign affairs team were made aware of Hammond’s situation.

If you want to help Lauren and Ashleigh support communities in Nepal during this trying time more information is available below:

 https://www.tilt.com/campaigns/backpackers-for-nepal-earthquake-relief-fund-359564a8/description