Rahway resident Gladys K. Mongo completed the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro during a vacation in Tanzania after joining a group preparing to climb the mountain. The climb later drew recognition from her hometown.
According to mycentraljersey.com, Mongo had no training or preparation for the 19,341-foot ascent. She climbed with people from Germany, France, England, Australia and Japan, after encountering the group while on vacation.
A Camp Fire and Six Medical Evacuations
The account says a fire at one of the camps forced the climbers to relocate. It also reports that six members of Mongo’s group were evacuated by helicopter because of breathing difficulties.
Mongo fell six times and was injured, according to the report, but continued the climb.
What health guidance says about high-altitude climbs
The CDC advises travelers to ascend gradually, avoid going from low elevation to above 9,000 feet in one day and, if possible, spend a few days at 8,000–9,000 feet before going higher, according to CDC Travelers’ Health.
The CDC also says shortness of breath, weakness and cough can signal high-altitude pulmonary edema, which can quickly become life-threatening. It advises moving someone with these symptoms to a lower elevation immediately; oxygen treatment may also be needed.
'Stronger Than I Had Imagined'
Mongo said the experience changed how she viewed her own limits. “Climbing Kilimanjaro made me realize that I am stronger than I had imagined,” she said, according to the same mycentraljersey.com report.
The report said Mongo was glad to complete the climb while representing her hometown, the City of Rahway.
City Hall Takes Notice
Mayor Raymond A. Giacobbe congratulated Mongo, saying, “Her courage, determination, and perseverance are truly inspiring. We are proud to have her represent Rahway.” The achievement also appears on the City of Rahway's 2026 press release listings, which describe her ascent as a demonstration of determination and perseverance.
Mongo’s climb connects a personal test of endurance with recognition from her hometown. Her account of the experience centers on what she discovered about her own strength.
