Ascent for Alzheimer’s seeks physician climbers
If hiking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro sounds like an adventure you’d like to be a part of, the Ascent for Alzheimer’s may be just the challenge you’re looking for.
Ascent organizers are now interviewing for their 2013 team and are looking for adventurous, determined, team-oriented physicians to take part in this year’s climb. Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses and must raise at least $10000, and the Ascent organizing team will take it from there.
Team members have support in every aspect of the journey—Whistler-based guide Sue Oakey-Baker coordinates everything from training participants on Vancouver-area mountains to choosing the ascent route. Led by Ms Oakey-Baker, Ascent teams have summited Mount Kilimanjaro 14 times, with hikers ranging in age from 16 to 85 years. The Ascent team has a 90% success rate in hikers reaching the summit (compared with an average success rate of 75% in the 40000 people per year who attempt the climb), and a 100% success rate in safety.
Ascent organizers also coordinate full support for participants while the team is in Africa, including accommodations in the village of Marangu, an English-speaking trip leader, and local guides and porters.
The Ascent for Alzheimer’s is organized by the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia. Since 1998, more than 180 Ascent alumni have raised more than $2 million—every dollar of which goes toward the cause.
BC physicians Drs Jeff Beckman and Katherine Paton participated in the 2012 Ascent for Alzheimer’s and reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro last September; congratulations on this great accomplishment!
This year’s Ascent will take place from 27 September until 3 October. If you’d like to take part or learn more, visit www.ascentbc.ca or call Ms Gail Feldman at 604 681-6350.