Background

What do surviving a major medical event (such as organ failure and transplant surgery) and climbing a mountain have in common? And what lessons from these events can we apply to pretty much anything in life?

All challenges require a powerful mental attitude! We must look ahead and visualize ourselves reaching the other side of the challenge. There must be no doubt. On the slopes of  Mt. Kilimanjaro, hikers must possess a positive outlook to reach the summit. Success begins with mental strength and endurance. Like undergoing a transplant, climbing also requires never giving up and never giving in, regardless of the odds.

The same can be true of any goal we want to achieve. While it may not be immediately apparent, the same attitude that is necessary in overcoming a major illness, or participating in an adventure is key to achieving any goal!

I partnered with LUX World Travel and Journeys of Inspiration to create a journey that allowed me, together with my friend and climbing partner, Ginny Napier, to raise $5000 for the B Thomas Golisano Hospitality House and American Cancer Society Hope Lodge. This facility opened shortly after we returned from Tanzania on the campus of the Rochester Crozer Divinity School.  The purpose of Hospitality House/ Hope Lodge is to provide out of town organ transplant and cancer patients (and their caregivers) a place to stay while undergoing treatment in Rochester. This will be a home away from home, where people going through the most difficult time of their lives can come together and support one another in a peaceful, healing environment. See post  ”About Hospitality House, categorized under The Charity, for more detailed information.

Journeys of Inspiration is a collaborative effort between Pak Paddle Ski and the American Cancer society with a mission to create a community of people whose lives have been touched by cancer and love the outdoors. Personally, I’d like to add people whose lives have been touched by organ transplantation to this community, whether they are organ recipients or donor families.

If you think you are not in shape to climb Kilimanjaro, don’t let that hold you back. There is an abundance of training and support in the months leading to the climb.  If you can do a 10 mile hike, with moderate elevation change, you can definitely climb Kilimanjaro!

For the non-climber, Journeys of Solutions offers an opportunity to go to Africa with the Journeys of Inspiration group and give of themselves by working in an orphanage while a spouse, partner or friend climbs the mountain. After the climb, the pair can meet up again go on the optional Safari or travel home together. It’s a great way for non- climbers to be part of the African experience while raising money for a great cause at home.

Everyone needs to have at least one big adventure in life- and this is a great way to go!