S. Fla. Women To Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro For Human Trafficking Awareness

LOXAHATCHEE, FL (CBS4)-It's a story about a group of women giving a voice to those who have none. Seven women from South Florida are preparing to climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, and the goal is to bring attention to human trafficking.

It was more than determination that helped the women reach the top of their game.

"Spiritually, I feel that I have accomplished a huge challenge," said climber Daniel Petrozelli.

The challenge will be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. To prepare, the group of seven from South Florida, first headed up Pike's Peek in Colorado. Among them was Petrozelli, who wants to help some of the 27 million women and children around the world being sold as slaves.

"It is just a huge problem and I sit there and wonder what can I do to make an impact," she said.

So Petrozelli packed her bags with layer after layer to keep her warm and dry for the five day climb. But her actual preparation is nothing compared to the emotional journey she has taken to get at that point.  Petrozelli said years ago, at 19, she became a single mother.

"I have had phenomenal people in my life who have stood beside me, encouraged me, helped me," she said.

And so she was inspired to join 50 women from around the world who signed up to raise $15,000 each for The Freedom Climb to fight human trafficking.

"It's a $32 billion industry," Lori Degler, Operation Mobilization, said. "It is terrible. It is coming up bigger than guns and drugs because you can sell a girl or a child over and over again."

The women hope their climb will serve as the first steps for those who need a little help to climb out of the bottom and make their way to the top.

The women have their bags packed. It will take the group five days to climb Kilimanjaro.

If you want more information or if you would like to donate to The Freedom Climb, click here.