Climb Kilimanjaro For OIF

Anna: Several years ago, I was talking to my cousin Shelley and her husband Aaron about the possibility of putting together a fundraiser for the OI Foundation. I told them that I wanted to do something spectacular, "like climb a mountain," to raise awareness for OI and to raise money for the OI Foundation. Aaron suggested that I look into the possibility of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, and contacted his cousin Mike, a professional mountain guide, to inquire about the requirements for such a climb. Mike was very encouraging, suggesting that if I could train myself to walk long distances and could get in excellent cardiovascular shape, I could probably climb Kilimanjaro. Several years passed before I revisited the idea. By 2007, I was working in Atlanta and trying to recover from two major back-to-back orthopedic surgeries within the same year. Months after my final surgery, I was still using the wheelchair to get around and was frustrated with the rate at which my leg (which had been broken during surgery) was healing. I decided that I needed to set a huge goal for myself in order to focus on my recovery. I had already become active in the OI Foundation and knew that the Foundation needed donations in order to fund its various projects, including research. I researched Kilimanjaro and learned that September is the "dry season" on the mountain and is widely considered to be the best time of year to attempt the climb. I also knew I would need more than a year to build strength in my legs and to get in shape for the climb, so September 2009 seemed the best time to tackle the mountain.

In February 2007, I told my parents about my plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. While they were skeptical of my decision, they did not reject it. Over dinner on my birthday a few weeks later, I reminded my parents of my decision to climb the mountain and told them that I still intended to go. I expected my parents to ask if I had lost my mind. Instead, my dad said, "Okay then, when do we leave?" I asked if he was seriously considering doing the climb with me, and he said, "well, if you are going to do it, then I want to be there." My mom likewise responded that if this was something I was committed to doing, she would support me. I am incredibly grateful to my parents for this courage and support. They taught me that I can accomplish anything if I try hard enough. Despite all the setbacks I've had, I know that this is true.

It took all of 2007, but I eventually was able to walk without crutches. By 2008, I began focusing on building strength in my legs and avoiding broken bones. Now it is April 8, 2009, and my climb is just less than 6 months away. I have a long way to go, but I feel strong and ready to take on this challenge. My dad and I are training together and have been partners in this effort every step of the way. More later....