Kam Futi Sherpa is one of twelve women who lost their husbands in the devastating 2014 avalanche on Everest. Pasang Karma Sherpa was thirty-nine when he died, leaving behind a wife and three children between the ages of two and fourteen.
Pasang Gyaltsen Sherpa is the oldest son. He was fourteen when his father died and remembers him as a truly special person—someone who was always ready to jump to the aid of others, no matter the cost to himself. The Juniper Fund reached out to Kam Futi and Pasang Gyaltsen after the accident and began to understand their needs and hopes for the future.
Kam Futi’s oldest son, Pasang Gyaltsen Sherpa
At the time of Pasang Karmas’s death, the family lived in Juning-5, a village in the Solukhumbu district. Kam Futi knew that she had to find a place in Kathmandu, as it is difficult to find work in the village. It took her about a year to be able to move to Kathmandu with her kids and during this time, she took advantage of some vocational training opportunities supported by The Juniper Fund. She began studying English and enrolled in cooking classes. Pasang Gyaltsen, her son, says that she changed as a person during the two months she spent in her cooking class. Before, she was shy and struggled with confidence when talking to others. Now, she holds herself with self-assurance that translates into success, both in life and in her business.
After she completed her cook training, the Juniper Fund helped to find Kam Futi a restaurant space, and she opened its doors as soon as she could, eager to put her newfound skills to work. Her restaurant makes around $150 a month, which is enough to support her rent, food, and other daily expenses. Her son is happy that his mom’s restaurant is so successful, as it means he does not have to prioritize taking care of her over his own ambitions. With her restaurant making money, she lives a comfortable life and provides for herself and her children.
Kam Futi cooking in her restaurant.
All three children have education scholarships and are studying in Kathmandu. Kam Futi’s youngest son just began his education in 2019, while Pasang Gyaltsen is studying hotel management and travel in college. Kam Futi also has her eyes set on the future. With her cost of living grant, Kam Futi is planning to build a new house in Kathmandu, a home that her family can live in for years to come.