April 03, 2009 Michael AugustineLisez en Francais
Allow me to take a moment to introduce you to Ralph Cochrane. This amazing individual is the heart and soul behind a new multiple sclerosis fundraiser called MS Climb. The mission of MS Climb is to elevate the support of the MS Society of Canada’s efforts through a new level of fundraising and a once in a lifetime adventure opportunity. What started as one man's dream to raise $1 million dollars to support the MS Society has turned into a 5 years adventure trekking program around the world.
In 2008, 23 people came together to climb 4 days along the Inca Trail to the ancient city of Machu Picchu in central Peru. In order to participate in the 4-day challenge, each participant had to raise a minimum of $7,500.00. It was a formidable trip, but these determined souls made the journey, going as high as 11,150 above sea level (in the village of Cusco). As one person said about trekking the legendary trail “I can't believe... we actually walked the same path built over a 1000 years ago.”
Together, these men and woman, under Ralph’s inspiring mentorship, raised an awe-inspiring $155,468... and this is only the beginning. This coming Fall will see not just one, but TWO trips – one back to Machu Picchu, and another to Tanzania, Africa, to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, that continent’s highest peak. While further trips are planned for the Great Wall of China and the Chilkoot Trail in the Yukon, in 2011 and 2012 respectively, it is 2010 which has me the most excited. Yours truly is committed to joining Ralph and his crew for their 2010 event - MT. EVEREST!!
Yes, I am planning to join these remarkable individuals in climbing to Everest Base Camp in a specially designed vehicle called a Trail Rider, which is a sort-of cross between a wheelchair and wheel barrow. Needless to say, I am a little daunted by the reality of it, but also incredibly thrilled and excited at the thought of doing something that most people only ever think about in their wildest fantasies.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again... “you never really know what you can do until you stand up and decide to try.” Well, next year I plan on standing taller then I could have ever imagined.
Who’d have thought, when I was first diagnosed, that I’d ever reach that high in life?
Irreverently Yours,
Aug, who’s gonna go watch “The Sound of Music” to get himself prepared...
Technorati tags: endMS, multiple sclerosis, MS Climb