Ascent for Alzheimer - Kilimanjaro Climb

Throughout our lives, each of us needs to climb a personal mountain or two. Whether it’s our working or family lives, the most rewarding challenge is usually a tough one. But, it’s also a good way of taking stock, a chance to take a good look at ourselves and get closer to the people and causes that matter most. Last summer, our two sons, Geoffrey and Nicholas, joined Nancy and me in an effort to climb Africa’s highest mountain, and in the process, raise public awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

The climb was called "Ascent for Alzheimer’s". It was a chance for our family to join other climbers from British Columbia in raising awareness and much-needed funds. The climb raised $130,000 in pledges for British Columbia’s Alzheimer’s Society thanks to the generosity of thousands of British Columbians.

On a very personal note, climbing Kilimanjaro brought back some old memories for Nancy and me and going there again after two decades with Geoff and Nicho created new ones that none of us will ever forget.

For Nancy and me, being back in Africa was a terrific reminder of our two-year teaching assignment in Nigeria on behalf of CUSO (Canadian University Services Overseas). Not only did we get a chance to do something worthwhile in a developing nation, but we also gained a profound appreciation of Canada. To live in a totally different culture is really an eye opener.

When we had a new opportunity to go back to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro for Alzheimer’s, Nancy’s first reaction was, "Are you crazy?" I persevered though.
Geoff said he wanted to go and so did Nicholas. When I told Nancy that the boys and I were going to do the climb, there was no way she was going to be left behind. The boys were excited to go to a place that Nancy and I had talked about so often and that had such a big impact on our lives.

As young parents you often wonder what your children’s lives are going to be like. What kind of people will they become? Have you taught them enough to set them on the right track? I was incredibly proud of how both of these young men handled themselves.

It was a great experience for all of us. One that we’ll never forget. Throughout our trip, I was reminded of just how lucky we were to be born here and to live in a province like British Columbia, one of the world’s real treasures.

Equally important, it’s a time and a place we shouldn’t take for granted. Today, our job is to make sure we’re building the sort of province we can take some pride in as we prepare to turn it over to our children, grandchildren and the future.

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For more information about Alzheimer’s,
please contact the British Columbia
Alzheimer’s Society at (604) 681-6530
or visit their website at:
www.alzheimerbc.org