Tremendous achievement secured by climbers with Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease today as they conquered Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world!
By Empowerment Through Adventure, PRNESunday, July 17, 2011
MOUNT KILIMANJARO, Tanzania, July 18, 2011 -
Today, seven adventurous men and women with Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) and four with Parkinson’s disease (PD), along with nine
climbing companions, reached the highest peak in Africa. This is
the first time that a group of people with both of these
neurodegenerative diseases have united as a committed team to reach
a summit this high, all whilst showing solidarity in supporting one
another every step of the way. This climb clearly demonstrated that
neurodegenerative diseases do not represent the end of ‘normal’
life, but that people living with the diseases can in fact go on to
achieve staggering feats. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands at
19,340 feet, not only making it the highest peak in Africa, but
also the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
“This ‘Kilimanjaro Leap of Faith Adventure’ was meant to
challenge the body, expand the mind and foster courage in dealing
with the diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease. There have been
some really tough parts of the trek, especially altitude sickness,
for which there is nothing you can do. Imagine that on top of our
neurodegenerative diseases. But, we’ve made it and that’s a credit
to all of us who believe that we can go beyond the limitations of
our disease and still achieve incredible results, both physically
and mentally. We have remembered all those with neurodegenerative
disease who climb personal mountains each day, as we have taken the
steps to this summit,” said trip organiser Lori Schneider, founder
of Empowerment Through Adventure.
The climbing group comprises a number of wonderful and diverse
individuals. There are musicians, teachers, adventurers,
philanthropists, sports enthusiasts, psychologists, social workers,
artists, program managers, engineers, parents, and many other
unique individuals among the brave people with MS, PD and their
climbing companions. The medical team includes an MS researcher and
biochemist, a neurologist, a physician’s assistant, physical
therapists, sports trainers and the medically trained staff from
the climbing company, Alpine Ascents International. Most of the
group already enjoy outdoor activities and they have all dedicated
themselves to training to prepare themselves for this challenge and
adventure. A key attribute of the group is their outstandingly
positive outlook, regardless of the hurdles they face, and their
unwavering commitment to supporting one another throughout the
trip.
“What this wonderful group of people with MS and Parkinson’s
disease has done is incredible. When I was first diagnosed with MS
I ran away from my life in fear. I left a 22 year marriage, a
20 year teaching career, sold my house, left my community, and
tried to run from my MS diagnosis. That changed when I reached the
top of the world, becoming the first person with MS to reach the
summit of Mount Everest. The idea behind the Kilimanjaro Leap of
Faith Adventure was for me to share the lessons I have learned
about believing in yourself and following your dreams. I think it’s
worked!” Continued Lori Schneider.
The Kilimanjaro climb has certainly had its challenges. Some
have suffered from altitude sickness, occasionally worsened by the
symptoms of their neurodegenerative disease. It is for this reason
that three people with MS and five of the climbing companions did
not reach the summit. However, everyone has assisted and supported
each other every step of the way. All have gone beyond their
limitations to redefine who they are and what they are capable of
achieving.
Communication activities for the Kilimanjaro Leap of Faith
Adventure 2011 are kindly supported by Sanofi.
The “More than a mountain” artwork has been created by Susie
Weber.
For team member profiles, daily updates, visuals and podcasts
from the MS / PD climbers and their companions, please visit:
www.EmpowermentThroughAdventure.com/Kilimicrosite.htm
or
About Empowerment Through
Adventure
Lori Schneider started Empowerment Through Adventure to organise
adventure activities for others who would like to challenge
themselves, step outside of their comfort zone and feel empowered
in their own lives. The Kilimanjaro Leap of Faith Adventure00 is
meant to challenge the body, expand the mind and foster courage in
dealing with the diagnosis of a neurological disease.
For further information on Empowerment Through Adventure, please
visit:
Media contacts:
Fiona Walton
Tel: +44(0)203-047-2111
Email:
Jessie Prynne
Tel: +44(0)203-047-2118
Email:
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Tags: Empowerment Through Adventure, July 18, Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
