Marine who lost leg in Afghanistan to climb Mount Everest

HOLLYWOOD HILLS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- U.S. Marine Corps veteran Charlie Linville lost his leg in an improvised explosive device attack in Afghanistan, but that won't stop him from climbing Mount Everest.

In April, he trains to hike Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles. In time, he'll be scaling the world's tallest peak.

"Anything is possible. You just have to set your mind to it," Linville said.

Linville is training with the help of the Heroes Project, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that has helped six different amputated veterans scale the highest mountains on six different continents.

Mark Zambon climbed Mount Kilimanjaro after both his legs were blown off in Afghanistan.

"Early in the recovery, I recognized that the loss of my legs carried with it the potential to own my life, control me and very much put me in the place. Climbing that mountain allowed me to break the back of that threat," Zambon said.

Tim Medvetz, who's not a veteran himself, founded the organization and has led every climb.

"The Heroes Project is here letting them know, 'Hey man, we appreciate what you did for us, I appreciate what you did for me,'" Medvetz said.

Last year, Medvetz and Linville attempted to climb Mount Everest, but stopped after a group of sherpas died in an avalanche. They're determined to reach the summit this year.

"It's going to be a crazy feeling. I'm just going to break down and love the moment," Linville said.

Those who want to walk alongside Linville without climbing Mount Everest can attend the Climb for Heroes event in Los Angeles on April 12.

Around 1,000 people climbed Mount Baldy last year and the group is hoping for an even bigger crowd this year.

"Let them know that Los Angeles hasn't forgotten about them, and that's what the Climb for Heroes event is," Medvetz said.

Linville said the message behind the Heroes Project is universal.

"It's a message that you can take life by the horns if you choose to, but it's taking a step forward and getting up off the coach. If a guy with one leg can climb Mount Everest, you can set your mind to do whatever you want in life," Linville said.

For more information about how to get involved in the event, visit www.climbforheroes.org.