As summer moves on, I wanted to provide a brief update about Memories are Everything: The 7 Summits for Alzheimer’s. After working for almost a year to launch the journey, we are getting there but still have some significant milestones remaining. First the progress.
New Partners
The Alzheimer’s Association is fully engaged in the project and will be helping with the logistics of the US fund-raising events. Next, Outside Magazine Online will follow the climbs thus increasing the project’s visibility and the opportunity for raising awareness and donations. Also, we have an agreement with a major guiding company to manage the logistics of all 7 climbs. The details will be announced as soon as the final piece falls into place – which is securing the remaining financial sponsorship.
Sponsorship
I have personally contacted many, many companies this year and with the tough economy, you can understand the rejection. I am starting to feel like I am back in High School ::)) seriously; there is not a lot of extra money for philanthropy these days even though the largest expense will not occur for another 9-12 months. There are still a few pending opportunities; however if you know of any company that would be interested in being part of this, please contact me. The business case is solid and yields a positive ROI for the investment.
However, as I have said from the start, this is about Alzheimer’s, not climbing and to do it right, it takes some funding.
Join a Climb
I want to get you thinking about becoming part of this by joining a climb. Kilimanjaro in mid 2010 is probably the climb most accessible to many people since it is non-technical and really a high walk to 19,339. Plus we go on a safari afterwards. So fun for the entire family! Denali in 2011 is another option.
And I want to extend an invitation for all the climbs to qualified climbers including joining me on climbing Everest in 2011 or trekking to the base camp in Nepal. It would be excellent training to come along of some of the other climbs before Everest.
We will also be looking for help with the fund-raising events outside of the US in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and South America. As always, contact me for details.
So until we start climbing remember you can always make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in any amount. Also join or start your own team for a Memory Walk in your community. Details at www.alz.org
Personal Update
My mom continues to decline. She now has trouble feeding herself and other daily activities. She no longer recognizes or remembers anyone and she has significant trouble forming words and creating sentences. Her mind continues to be devastated by this disease. Not only is her memory now gone but almost all her identity.
That said, I can still get her to laugh a little with a small joke and even over the phone, I can see her smile. So she will always be in there somewhere.
I continue to climb my Colorado 14ers with 4 new summits this summer. I especially enjoyed the relatively simple walk-up San Luis Peak in central Colorado. The approach follows miles of beaver dams up and into a beautiful alpine basin – Colorado at the finest. Also nice was the class 3+ climb to Wilson Peak which was another fun climb with a bit of serious rock on the top. You read the trip reports on my site.
So, we are making progress on raising $1M for Alzheimer’s but have a ways to go. As always, your continued support is sincerely appreciated.
Climb On!
Alan
