Rick's Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb for SickKids
Standing at 19,500 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Located in Tanzania, this dormant volcano attracts people from around the world who wish to take on the challenge of reaching its summit. People like Rick, who will travel from Toronto to Tanzania on July 22 to embark on a seven-day climb with plans to not only reach Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit, but to raise critical funds for SickKids at the same time.“My wife, Gayle, and I have a friend whose son was diagnosed with leukemia which led us to want to do something special to support SickKids,” said Rick. “When this challenge presented itself, I thought it was the perfect fit to begin our relationship with this world famous institution.”
At 72 years old, Rick is an avid climber. A passion developed in his late sixties, Rick has climbed mountains in Peru and Mexico. But he has never climbed a mountain as high as Mt. Kilimanjaro.
“In order to prepare myself for this climb, I’ve been working with a trainer three times a week. I have also been taking part in spin classes and doing a lot of walking.”
Rick feels physically ready to take on the summit, but is mentally preparing himself for the two things that he cannot control – altitude and weather.
“Altitude will be a complete wild card for me,” said Rick. “I’m taking pills to help prepare my body for the altitude change but, until I’m up there, I have no idea how my body will react.”
Weather could also play a role in Rick’s climb as the ascent to the summit will take climbers from tropical conditions to arctic conditions.
“We’ll pass through five climate zones as we climb, so clothing is very important,” said Rick. “By the time we get close to the summit, I expect to be wearing about five layers of clothing to keep myself protected from the cold.”
For most, this climb sounds like a daunting endeavour. For Rick, he is taking it all in stride.
“Beyond just preparing myself physically and mentally, the whole idea of taking on this challenge has become so much more fun and meaningful now that SickKids is a part of it.”
"Taking on this challenge has become so much more fun and meaningful now that SickKids is a part of it."
“When I was presented with the different projects that I could support through my climb, it took me all of three seconds to decide that this was the project I wanted to fund,” said Rick. “I believe the impact this could have on a child’s treatment and recovery will be huge.”
Dr. Evan Lewis, a neurologist at SickKids, agrees.
“I believe the introduction of minimally invasive laser ablation therapy as a tool for epilepsy surgery in select cases will be a radical and important shift in patient care and culture at SickKids. Patients would benefit from significantly reduced hospital stays and avoid spending time in the Intensive Care Unit. Aside from treating a variety of brain tumours, there is also the potential to surgically treat epilepsy without having to subject patients to a craniotomy and in cases where surgery was not previously an option.”
Rick and Gayle are passionate about making the purchase of this revolutionary machine a reality at SickKids. As such, they will be matching every dollar that is donated toward his climb.
To support Rick and Gayle’s goal to make a difference in patient care and treatment at SickKids (and to wish him good luck on his climb), you can donate through Rick’s Mt. Kilimanjaro fundraising page.
On behalf of all of us at SickKids, thank you Rick and Gayle for your passion and support of SickKids!
UPDATE: Congratulations to Rick for reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro! We are also thrilled to announce that Rick has surpassed his original fundraising goal of $300,000! Rick is still continuing to raise funds, so if you'd like to congratulate Rick and thank him for making a difference for SickKids, visit his fundraising page.
