My wife Cheryl was diagnosed with MS in 2001, and since that time I’ve watched as sports we used to be active in disappeared from her life. Skiing, bike riding, hiking, and even taking walks for any great distance are no longer possible for us to do together.
I’ve participated and fundraised in the MS Walk since 2003 and when I was introduced to the MS Climb team in 2009 I immediately signed on. I challenged myself to hike to Everest Base Camp in October 2010, and raise funds for the MS Society, with the firm belief that a cure will be found in the near future.
The effect that high altitude has on the body is similar in many respects to symptoms people with MS experience. For the more than 75,000 Canadians who live with MS daily, my discomforts for a couple of weeks seemed minor. My difficulty with walking, stamina, sleeping, breathing, mental tasks, and general discomfort are something they deal with everyday. The only difference is that when I came back the symptoms disappeared (after about 4 weeks).
My next challenge was climbing to the roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro! this took place in Oct 2012.
I challenge you to join me in this adventure as a fellow climber, a supporter, or as a helper in my fundraising efforts.
Thank you.
Together we can End MS!
Here I am at the top of Kala Patthar, 18,500' with Mount Everest in the background. Oct 2010.
Jackie,Jane, me and Cheryl in the 2007 Bowmanville MS Walk,.
Jim & Cheryl skiing in Collingwood in 2003.
Oct 2009 from the top of the Centennial Ridges trail in Algonquin park.
Here I am a few years ago winter camping in Algonquin Park. Over the weekend it went down to -40c at night, a bit too cool for me!
In 2000 I realized a dream that I've had from childhood - getting my pilot's license.
Wilderness survival course (great glasses)
Oct 24, 2009 - 28:48. I did my first CN Tower climb - 28 min 48 sec.
April 17, 2010 - 27:17
April 16, 2011 - 26:04.
144 floors, 1776 steps up.
Great practise for the Everest Base Camp hike.
