Kyle was diagnosed with Bilateral Sporadic Retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye) when he was only ten months old. He underwent several years of cancer treatment, traveling between his doctors in Florida and Philadelphia every six to eight weeks. Eventually, the toll of cancer and the variety of treatments ravaged his sight resulting in the removal of both eyes by the time he was six.
Through a family friend, Kyle was connected with Ed Weihenmayer, who's son Erik was a World Class Blind Athlete. Erik met with Kyle and helped him realize that blindness is no obstacle in achieving his goals in life.
Kyle became involved with Global Explorers in 2005 when he was accepted to take part in the inaugural Leading The Way expedition along the Ankascocha Trail into Machu Picchu. While on the trail, Kyle and the other founding members began to develop the pillars of Sight Unseen and its values.
Apart from rock climbing and hiking, Kyle is also a passionate downhill skier and successful college wrestler. He enjoys playing guitar and drums and has never let anything hold him back when it comes to reaching his goals. Kyle, along with the rest of Sight Unseen, wants to bring this same unyielding mindset to the world and prove that the only handicaps and disabilities we have are those we impose upon ourselves.
