Climbing Through

In Climbing Through, Melissa Strong, a sponsored rock climber and aspiring restaurateur, unveils her remarkable journey of survival and resilience in the face of mortality after being horrifically injured from electricity. As she navigates the complex realm of medical intervention, enduring multiple surgeries and an arduous recovery, Strong discovers within herself an indomitable spirit that propels her through the shadows of adversity. Transporting readers back to her early days in New England, where a sedentary existence and a reluctance toward physical activity defined her, Strong vividly recounts her transformation from a self-described “C” student in gym class to a sponsored rock climber. Through her narrative, she dismantles conventional expectations, forging a distinctive path that leads her to a fervent pursuit of culinary artistry and entrepreneurship, ultimately culminating in the realization of her own restaurant venture.

Navigating the intricacies of parenthood and grappling with the challenges of infertility, Melissa Strong boldly rebounds toward her passions, weaving her dreams into tangible aspirations. The vision of her restaurant takes shape, yet in a fateful twist, a near-fatal encounter with a powerful electric current during the renovation process leaves her confronting the stark reality of her altered hands, once the lifeblood of her livelihood and rock-climbing ardor. Undaunted, she immerses herself in the rigors of recovery, determined to triumph over adversity or face its potential undoing.

Climbing Through is a poignant chronicle of Melissa Strong’s unwavering fortitude, an inspiring testament to the triumph of the human spirit over life’s most daunting challenges. This is a journey through the heart of one woman’s extraordinary resilience, where passion, purpose, and perseverance converge to redefine the boundaries of possibility.

Author Biography

Melissa Strong, a sponsored rock climber, pushed her boundaries worldwide, excelling in her passion. Not one to settle, she aspired to open a sustainable restaurant in her small mountain town. A near-fatal electric accident during renovations left her with partial hand loss, prompting a determined medical journey. Melissa’s memoir, Climbing Through, chronicles her journey from athlete to survivor. Based in Estes Park, Colorado, she manages the acclaimed restaurants Bird & Jim and the Bird’s Nest when not inspiring others through speaking engagements or writing about rock climbing.