In February 2004 I took on a challenge of my own choosing that set a new course for the rest of my life. Summiting Kilimanjaro was evidence that I had survived my own battle with breast cancer. It was at the top of this spectacular mountain that my idea for UPKILI® CLIMB FOR BREAST CANCER was born. I had a dream to share that same experience with as many other survivors and supporters as possible. I couldn’t think of a better way to raise awareness and money to help FIND A CURE!

My journey to the Highest Freestanding Peak in the World started 3 years ago when my wife, Randee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  People climb for different reasons, whether for recreational or for a cause.  I could not think of a better cause then that which we live with everyday of our lives.  Everybody is touched by Cancer at some time in their lives.  You just never expect it to hit so close to home. I am very privileged to partner with the Cedars Cancer Institute. My goal is $20,000 in sponsorships. 

  

In 2002, I saw the IMAX Kilimanjaro... climbing it became a personal goal.  Tsunami hit the Indian Ocean December 26, 2004 and since then I have worked to rebuild lives on Sri Lanka. Now, the dream of Kili is coming into view. I am honored to climb with UpKili. My grandmother, my sister-in-law, Janet, and my friend, Claudia have been affected. I climb to celebrate their survival and hope to boost the funding needed to save others. Please join my passion for life and the mountain. Join me today in the fight and encourage me to the top!

  

Throughout my journey with cancer, Kilimanjaro represented hope and light at the end of the tunnel. In January 2008 I celebrated breaking through that tunnel in a very special way as I made my way to the top of Kilimanjaro with UPKILI®. I knew then I would be back! Having the opportunity to climb while raising funds for breast cancer research was truly a thrilling and rewarding experience. When you can be of service to others, surround yourself with natural beauty and have fun at the same time, there is no greater joy.

  

As a Nurse Practitioner I am very aware of the chaos cancer can cause. I have shared in the challenges cancer creates with family, friends and patients. That’s why I am so excited to combine a life goal (climbing Mt Kilimanjaro has been on my vision board for many years) with an opportunity to raise funds for a great cause. I plan on climbing Kili to fulfill a dream and in remembrance of those that have lost the battle with cancer, in encouragement of those that still struggle, and in celebration of those that have conquered cancer.

  

When my friend Chantal approached me about the Upkili® climb, I was challenged by the idea of climbing to the altitude of Kilimanjaro which will introduce new hurdles for me to overcome and will require serious training. Then I started to think about my husband, John, who is in currently in treatment for advanced, aggressive prostate cancer. This climb will be my way to walk his same path—to share in a journey that will be life-changing for each of us. The mission of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® resonates strongly with me, so I’ll be asking all of my family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to support my effort to raise the awareness of breast-cancer and to find a cure.

  

As a member of the medical profession, I am very familiar with breast cancer and the havoc it plays in people's lives. On a personal level, I have friends who have survived it and those who have not. With the UPKILI team, not only do I get a chance to hike and see the beauty that is Mt. Kilimanjaro, but I also get to do this for a worthy cause. I am a big supporter of the fact that all donations go directly to breast cancer research and not to my climb. I will be climbing for an extraordinary personal experience, the memories of those past, the fight of those who have survived, and the continued support to find a cure.

  

When people ask me why I do the things I do, my response is generally “because I can”. For example, I recently grew my hair long enough to cut 11 inches off and donated it to Locks of Love – “because I could” and it was for a good cause. So... When my DragonBoat teammate, Chantal, asked if I’d be interested in the Kilimanjaro climb for breast cancer, I said “Yes”, because ”I couldn’t think of a reason not to” and “I can” therefore “I will”. It’s a great way to raise money to support a good cause. As I climb, I’ll be thinking about my cousin who was only 31 years old when we lost her to breast cancer.

  

Far too many of us have been affected by cancer either by supporting someone who is battling the disease or facing a diagnosis of cancer personally. In January 2010, I will be climbing Kilimanjaro to celebrate those who have bravely faced this challenge head-on – and continue to do so – and to recognize the health care professionals who provide invaluable and ongoing care. I will be raising funds for the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre so that fewer of us will be affected by cancer in the future.