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UP KILI For Breast Cancer Research/ THE CLIMBERS
AMY MICKS
In February 2004 I took on a challenge of my own choosing that set a new course for the rest of my life. Summitting Mt. Kilimanjaro was sure evidence that I had indeed survived my own battle with breast cancer. It was at the top of this spectacular mountain that my idea for UP KILI FOR BREAST CANCER was born. It was my 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 financial support to help FIND A CURE!
 Eddie Frank
Tusker Trail's founder was born and raised in Africa, and has been leading Kilimanjaro climbs for 29 years. Since his first climb in 1977, he has climbed Kilimanjaro 28 times. Eddie leads a lot of Tusker's charity climbs, and is proud of the fact that over $1.7 million has been raised on Tusker Charity Fundraising Climbs.
In January 2004 he embarked on a climb, which he will never forget. Among the 30 climbers trekking for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation was a young breast cancer survivor, named Amy Micks. A year and a half later the two of them got married. Together, they will be leading this great climb.
 DIANE BROOKS
I lost my aunt and my sister to breast cancer. More than 10 years ago I participated in my first fundraiser for breast cancer research, proudly raising $300. I have continued these Journeys of Hope, most recently in Paddle to a Cure’s 100 km kayak trek, raising an incredible $15,000. My inspiration is all of those who have fought the battle and especially those who are fighting the battle today. These loved ones will be very much with me as I ‘take the fight to new heights’ by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, along with an outstanding team of 30 breast cancer survivors and their supporters. My goal this year is to raise $25,000.
 DERYL EMPSON
There are a number of life experiences that have profound influence in your life. Having a spouse diagnosed with breast cancer is clearly such an experience. Having seen Mary Ann deal with her diagnosis and how she’s grown following the year of treatment is undoubtedly the most significant experience in my life. One of the consequences of our breast cancer experience is the involvement with breast cancer survivors, a group of people who share a certain flair for life and a commitment to get out of it as much as possible. I am looking forward to the challenge of Kilimanjaro inspired by people with so much positive energy.
MARY ANN EMPSON
Even though it has been eight years since my diagnosis of breast cancer, the impact it has had on my life is irreversible. An opportunity to climb to the top of Kilimanjaro will be very symbolic, especially with others who have shared the same experience. I am very excited to share this experience with my husband of 30 years as well. I have met so many wonderful women through our dragon-boat team and my climb will be dedicated to those Breast Friends and other dragon boat racers who have succumbed to this disease but are still with us in spirit.
JOANNA CHRYSTAL
After hearing about Amy's adventure in 2004 as a participant in the CIBC Wood Gundy Climb for the Cure, I had been incredibly inspired to join the Up Kili for Breast Cancer climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Breast cancer is a challenge we take on without a choice and we fight the battle in the best way we know how. As a survivor of this life-threatening disease, I have realized the importance of living every day to the fullest, and in taking part in the adventures I have always dreamed of doing, but never thought possible. I'm proud to be climbing with my daughter, Haley.
 HALEY HIGDON
When I heard that my mom, Joanna Chrystal was going to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro I was determined to go along. In the seven years since she was diagnosed with breast cancer I have watched with respect and admiration as she bravely took on the fight with cancer. Her battle has made her such a strong person. She has taken up challenges both mental and physical. She inspires me and fills me with pride when she tells of her many adventures and travels around the world. It will be an honour and a privilege to accompany my mom and all the other brave survivors and supporters on this amazing adventure.
 JOHN KARAGOSSIAN
Since childhood, I have watched many documentaries, read many books and listened to beautiful poetry and songs about the awesome ice caps of Kilimanjaro. Imagine my excitement when I had the opportunity three years ago to work in Kenya for a month. Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts I could not arrange to make the climb up the glorious mountain that I’ve dreamed about since childhood. Then, my girlfriend Maria, told me about Up Kili for Breast Cancer. There was no hesitation; I was in! I am so grateful for a second chance to fulfill my dream, and as an added bonus, I get to do it for a great cause.
 MARIA PARUSIS
Breast cancer has affected my family and me ever since my mom, who at 45, was told she had breast cancer. Thankfully, she fought her way through it, and is now living life in a much greater fashion! The Challenge of Kilimanjaro is one I’ve toyed with ever since my boyfriend, John Karagossian, first mentioned it to me. But when my friend Pam Jackson, told me that she was training for the Up Kili for Breast Cancer Climb, my decision was made! Both John and I will be climbing. Breast cancer does not have a prejudice – it can hit any person at anytime. The more we do, the more we can prevent. We will all be above the clouds in more ways then one!
 KAREN PANZER
I am a nine-year breast cancer survivor and have always led a healthy and active lifestyle. I have learned dragon boating while sharing the message that there is life after breast cancer. By climbing Kilimanjaro, I strive to inspire and motivate others. I will be carrying a special package in my backpack. It is filled with the spirits of many survivors who continue to fight breast cancer, as well as those whose spirits have past. Their fighting spirits will assist me in my determination to reach the summit. It is with Amy's inspiration and encouragement that I look forward to attaining one of the most challenging and rewarding of life's experiences.
KATHY NG
I'm a four-year breast cancer survivor. After going through the grueling treatment I found myself recovering slowly and I finally awoke. Lance Armstrong’s recovery and success was a great inspiration for me. Life did not end there! Then I realized I could do even more, such as taking on the challenge of hiking the beautiful mountain of Kilimanjaro! Since Amy told me about the climb, I procrastinated for 6 months and finally told myself I can do this! Yes I am going to do it to fight Breast Cancer for all of us women and men out there! Come join me OR support me.
MAGGIE LONEY
I first heard of the climb from my friend Pam, who battled breast cancer a few years back. I have also lost 2 sisters to cancer one to breast cancer and the other to cervical cancer.
Because of my family history with cancer I started living an active life style. It's never too late to be active. We can climb this mountain for all who cannot physically do this, inspire those that can - all in a hope for a cure.
 MARJORIE RAMSDEN
I am looking to the Up Kili for Breast Cancer Climb as a unique adventure and opportunity to further give back to the cancer community. I am an active mother of two children, ages 18 and 15. After my recovery from breast cancer treatment in 2002, I was introduced to the camaraderie and physical exhilaration of Dragonboating. Inspired by my husband, Michael Ramsden, a Wood Gundy Investment Advisor, who organized the inaugural CIBC Wood Gunny Climb for the Cure trek up Kilimanjaro, I am approaching this next challenge with the same tenacity and generosity of spirit that I have drawn upon all my life.
 MATT DODSON
As Tusker Trail’s Expedition Coordinator for the Up Kili for Breast Cancer Climb, I have been introduced to many courageous women. I have a deep compassion for these breast cancer survivors and their supporters. Their fighting spirit and tremendous strength seem to shine through with every conversation I have with them. I look forward to sharing with them this experience of a lifetime.
Joining me on the climb will be my wife, Tara. She and I have two beautiful young children. I hope by participating in this meaningful event I can raise awareness for this worthy cause that may, some day, contribute to saving the life of a loved one.
TARA DODSON
I had not been familiar with Breast Cancer until recently, when I my Aunt was diagnosed with the disease. She did not let on how bad she was, so our family did not take the news as seriously as we should have. It was only after my grandmother flew from Hong Kong to be with her, that we realized how bad it was. My Aunt has since gone through chemotherapy, had one of her breasts removed and has had reconstructive surgery. I know she is doing well and feeling much better and I pray the cancer does not return. I will be thinking of her and climbing for her every step of the way!
 PAMELA JACKSON
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, I thought it was the beginning of the end. It was in fact the beginning of a very active life style. I joined a dragon boat survivor team and was inspired by many incredible survivors. There is life after breast cancer, pushing physical limits and having fun! As I climb Kilimanjaro, I will be mindful of those battling the disease, and draw from their courage and spirit. I will climb in memory of my mother-in- law and all those we have lost. I am thankful to be a survivor and will continue to raise awareness, paddle, run and climb for the cure. It is my hope to see a cure within my lifetime.
 PAULINE AUTY
I was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, on my 54th birthday. While lying in hospital isolation, my white blood count at nearly zero, I remember seeing a group of breast cancer survivors on TV as they raced their dragon boat. They looked so strong and radiant! I promised myself that if I live through this challenge I’ll find ways to celebrate the gift of a strong, healthy body. I am blessed to be climbing Kili with my daughter Trudie and some dear survivor friends. Knowing they are with me is very motivating and reassuring. Ultimately, climbing Kilimanjaro is like living with breast cancer; we meet the challenge alone - one brave step at a time.
 TRUDIE HYNES
In 1998, I was in my 2nd year of University, when I learned that my mom, Pauline Auty, had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My world seemed to fall apart in an instant. Over the long months I watched with pride as my mother challenged this horrible disease, taking it to its limit, and ultimately triumphing. As a survivor, my mom has taken up kayaking, hiking, and competitive dragon boat racing. I decided that the best way to show my support for mom was to climb hand-in-hand with her on the Up Kili for Breast Cancer Climb. All the survivors who are climbing have welcomed me with open hearts - I feel honoured to be climbing with them.
 SHOSHANA BURGETT
I was diagnosed at the age of 36 and underwent a mastectomy in April 2005. I am climbing for the Breast Cancer Haven, which supports physical and emotional needs of those affected by breast cancer. By providing support and complementary therapies, Breast Cancer Haven helps women and men transform their lives and their sense of well-being. Cancer affects not only the person afflicted, but their family and friends. May a cure be found, and may everyone have a safe place, a shoulder to cry on and a support structure to help them through. My climb will free the old spirit and allow the new one to shine through and say "never again."
 VALERIE KRAUS
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, at the age of 44. I am joining the Up Kili for Breast Cancer Climb to mark my 10-year anniversary as a survivor and to celebrate all that I have accomplished since my diagnosis. I am truly amazed at the experiences that I have had and the people I have met since then. I am climbing to honor all those friends and family who have helped, supported and challenged me. But I am also climbing the mountain to try another path on my life’s journey. The charity I’m raising money for is Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Their mission is to empower women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life.
 MICHAEL HENRY
As an avid outdoors person and hiker, I have always enjoyed experiencing the wonders of nature. In 2005 I traveled to Northern Ireland and helped teach under privileged children, and in the process, discovered how humbling an experience serving others could be. In February 2006 I am honored to be joining a group that will climb to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro as a fundraiser for breast cancer. Having had immediate family stricken with breast cancer in recent years puts this troubling disease and life itself into perspective. I hope to be an inspiration to others on this climb and to bring a greater awareness for the need for a breast cancer cure.
 SYLVIA RAK
I was introduced to the Up Kili for Breast Cancer climb by my friend Joanna Chrystal, a breast cancer survivor on a mission. She’s also on the climb. Having witnessed how several of my close friends learned to deal with their fear of living with cancer. I have bcome keenly aware of my own fears. Here is my chance to step up to a 19,340-foot plate and face my acrophobia all in the name of a great and worthy cause. Native to the Netherlands, I equate a hill to a mountain and Kilimanjaro to an obstacle of phantom proportions. Together we will tackle the insurmountable, bring awareness to a higher plateau and conquer this debilitating disease.
GWEN FRANKLAND
I have been a breast cancer survivor for 29 years. I first heard of the UP KILI Climb for Breast Cancer to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro from my Dragon-Boat team manager. I decided that there was no question. I would just have to join this amazing adventure. This great effort to scale the world’s highest solitary mountain should give hope to others who have been diagnosed with this disease. For the climb -- and for the cure, I'm more than ready to go.
ALISON CURTIS
Climbing Kilimanjaro first crept onto my “to-do” list in 1990 when I saw a rare cloud-free view of the peak while on a safari in Kenya. But there it languished, never quite making it to the top. While going through my breast cancer treatment in 2003, I heard that Amy was planning to climb Kilimanjaro. I decided then that once my treatment was over, climbing Kilimanjaro was going to the top of my list of things to do! This past summer, on August 1, 2005, with the help of my friend and co-climber Deb Wallace, I reached the summit of Kilimanjaro and fulfilled my goal!
DEB WALLACE
During my friend Alison’s breast cancer treatment, I wasn’t able to provide her with much support. So when she approached me with the idea of climbing Kilimanjaro, I realized that here was my chance to help her reach her goal. Together we planned and trained. Little did I realize that on the climb, it would be Alison who would be my support. During the climb I dug deep, thinking that my physical challenge on the climb was nothing compared to what she endured. Alison’s courage during her fight with breast cancer became my motivation to tackle Kilimanjaro, which we did in August ‘05!
 KATA VUCOVIC
I have always led an extremely active sporting life. In 1979 I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and had a mastectomy in 1980. The cancer did not change my view towards sports. I joined the local breast cancer dragon boat team, and later became the fitness instructor. There is a beautiful life out there, and many happy experiences to share, in spite of cancer. If I can help one person to feel that, then I have done something good. Climbing Kilimanjaro with the Survivor team is not only my personal endeavour, but also my encouragement to all to live their dream.
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