Though the climb is final half-mile is not technically difficult the granite dome angled at 45 degrees can be extremely intimidating especially for those afraid of heights A stairway is used to climb the last 500 feet to the summit There was a handrail made out of steel cables connected to stairs made of thin wooden planks Thrown along the stairs were weathered work gloves available to help protect the climber is hands from the "death task" commonly used during descent Craig observing the daunting task ahead gently asked "Are you sure you want to continue?"Determined to reap the reward for all my effort I replied "Absolutely we have to go on "Step for step Craig stayed directly behind me providing a welcome sense of security When I finally reached the top I was overcome with joy Ten months after my transplant I had reached the top of Half Dome!My new heart had not failed me.