One month and counting

Dear Friends,

It's been a long time since I've posted anything on this blog, but the honest truth is that preparing and training for the climb has been a bit overwhelming the past few months. Now with all the gear purchased and the first to two commitments (running my first 5K and walking the entire Relay for Life event in Champaign) nearly behind me, the next month will be totally dedicated to finalizing all the necessary preparations for the climb, ramping-up training to a fevered pitch, and praying that, along with Lynn and I, the rest of our climbing team, Nancy F., Nancy D. and Shelley have safe travels to Tanzania.

While I am waiting for the Relay to start, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and to say how grateful I am for my family and friends (new and old) who have over the past 10 months continued to provide love and encouragement for this project/this cause.

First are the amazing women who will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with me: Nancy F. my high school friend who is the most amazingly brave woman I've ever known. A teacher in the middle east, an adventurer in her own right, a loving mom to her two sons, and grandmother to a growing collection of grandchildren - the one person in my life I knew I could ask to undertake this challenge with me and the first person I contacted with the idea struck. Then there are the two woman I've never met, Nancy D. and Shelley. Two sisters, living thousands of miles apart, Nancy in UAE and Shelley in Canada, coming together with strangers to scale the tallest hikeable mountain in the world and the tallest mountain on the African continent. I can't wait to get to know these women and count them among my friends.

And then, there are my high school friends, some I haven't seen in over 35 years, who have not only offered monetary support, but also moral support and love through social media posts and text messages. Even though, I was anxious to grow out of my hometown of Lawrenceville Illinois when I graduated high school, I feel so blessed having been raised with these men and women and to have them back in my life once again, through the wonders of Facebook. They will never know just how much their "likes" and encouraging posts have propelled me through the rough spots of the past year.

Next, my coworkers, my current boss, and former bosses, who have not only offered financial support, but who have also given me encouragement along the way - allowing me time and space to pursue this dream. I work with the most amazing people in the world and I'm thankful for that every single day.

More than anyone, there are those for whom I climb. Those friends who lost their battles with cancer and their families and friends who originally inspired my decision to fight for this cause. Those who are still battling and those who have won their fights against cancer. All of you have been with me and encouraged me every step of this journey.

And last but never-ever least, my husband Paul. Without him the past 10 months, this journey would not have happened. He has been my coach, my confidant, my mainstay, and always-always, my rock.

Each one of you following along on this blog has helped to propel our group just a little closer to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro and more importantly, just a little closer to finding a cure for cancer. You are the most amazing group of people in the world and with all my heart, I am thankful that you are a part of my life and part of this fight.