Browsing the stories of this year’s trekkers for the Alzheimer’s Society of BC’s Ascent for Alzheimer’s (the Ascent begins September 15th!), one can see that each team member has his or her own personal reason for making the harrowing journey up the tallest mountain in Africa. This past year, a total of 15 trekkers have trained both physically and mentally for next month’s climb and each has raised $10,000* or more to benefit AD research and education, while the 2010 team has just begun to assemble and begin their pre-trek training and fundraising. At the team’s Web site, it is absolutely amazing to see what the team has already accomplished. One can only imagine the amount of work that has gone into gathering their own personal funds to pay for travel expenses, however that may be, to raise a pre-set goal of funds for Alzheimer’s research, and to get in shape to make such a climb. What was most interesting to me were the personal stories as to why each of the trekkers chose to undertake such an arduous task, why this one, of all the fundraisers out there.
Michael-James Pennie (raising $10,000—you can help!)
Michael-James just recently joined the team, a late but welcome addition to the group. *He now must scramble to raise the requisite $10,000 contribution, and he is continuing to do so. Michael-James is twittering, blogging, doing all he can in this short period of time so that he can bring awareness to this cause and raise the funds necessary for the climb. Michael-James has pledged that, at the end of August, before leaving for Africa, he will climb the Grouse Grind carrying the $10,000 raised on his back in loonies (approx 154 lbs). While this may sound loony, he did sell his classic 1973 MGB Roadster in order to help pay his expenses for the trip.
Michael-James’ story is one that has been extremely personal to him. Michael-James’ father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in 2003, and this is why Michael-James has chosen to make the climb. His bio gives us some idea of what it is like to have a family member, someone you love most, stricken with the disease. Michael-James will be tweeting live, sharing the (as you can see) beautiful journey with all of us. It seems safe to say that Michael-James has certainly made his father proud, and he hasn’t even reached the mountain yet!
Jordan Willms & Lindsay Snell (raised $20,000)
Jordan Willms and his wife Lindsay Snell will be climbing in order to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The couple recently married and, in lieu of gifts, asked for donations to sponsor the costs of their travel to Kilimanjaro. Jordan, who recently lost his mother to the disease, summarizes the Ascent:
“The climb represents the mountainous struggles that families face with this horrible disease. I know—my family was one of them: I watched my vibrant mother June Willms fade away….”
For a truly remarkable video tribute put together by Jordan in honor of his mother June [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQVQJFwVGg[/youtube] Jordan has created a blog about his ascent for further information on his and Lindsay’s personal journeys preparing for and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Shirley & Peter Bonner (raised $51,097.49)
Shirley and her husband Peter have a unique story in that Shirley herself was diagnosed 2 years ago with mild cognitive impairment, so she shares a most personal journey. It is amazing that they are undertaking such a journey when they have this personal mountain to climb as well. Shirley and Peter have seen first-hand many of the patients at the Alzheimer’s Clinic at UBC, as Shirley has received medical treatment at the clinic for her condition, and this experience has further led them to appreciate the need for research funding for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
As you can see, each trekker has a unique story leading them to the mountain, a climb fraught with energy that stems from 
personal experience. They have come to know through their own paths with the disease that funding must be obtained in order to find a cure, and these paths have now led them to a most unique journey that we support, and you too can help support in order to fund research and awareness for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Thank you for the mention Christine!