Climbing for a Cure!

Dear Family, Friends, and Followers,

First, thank you all for your votes and support of the various charitable organizations listed on this blog. Every one of these organizations is extremely important and each of the causes they support has touched my life in one way or another. Because of that, I sent personal donations to each, and I hope you all will do the same.

American Cancer Society
American Heart Association
National MS Society
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
National Humane Society
University of Illinois. Womens' Scholarships

Next, Nancy will climb in support of Al Ain Animal Friends in the United Arab Emirates. Information about this worthy organization can be found at: http://www.alainanimalfriends.com/

And finally, I'm pleased to announce that one organization received the most votes from you. I will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro next summer in support of the American Cancer Society. I will also climb to honor my friends and family who have lost loved ones to various kinds of cancer and have continued on despite their grief, and I will climb to honor my friends and family who are cancer survivors and continue to battle on stoically, and more than anything I will climb to honor the memory of my friends who fight no more, who will never be forgotten, and who will forever be admired for their inspirational strength, courage, and often indelible humor: Hank McGaughey (1968), Kenny Williams (1975), Don Raggo (1992), Rodie Cochran (1993), Stella LaPayne (2000), Jennifer Hou (2008), Phil Akers (2008), Michael Carragher (1/2009), Mickey O'Brien (3/2009), Jeanine McDade Lambie (4/2009), Julie Jacobs (5/2009).

I have spoken with the Regional Vice President of the American Cancer Society and will be working closely with the local ACS office to set up a donation website and to work with their media people on publicizing my fund raising activities. I will continue to keep you all posted on any and all developments on this front.

Again, thank you all for your support and encouragement. Please send me any and all fund raising ideas and challenges, and training and climbing tips. AND, please don't forget to spread the word and share this blog with everyone you know!