“Mount Nemo doesn’t bear much resemblance to either Peru or Nepal, but this summer it’s acting as a stand-in for six Halton climbers who are training to face what will likely be the challenge of their lifetimes.…”

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“Taking it to new heights.
Cochrane woman climbing to Machu Picchu in Peru for MS.
In October, a dozen Canadians that have each been touched differently by Multiple Sclerosis will forget about the disease and take on a new adventure…”

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Timmins Daily Press
“Uphill challenge for girl with MS”

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Kelly’s fundraising page

My first symptom started in the summer of 1998. I began to notice that my right leg was feeling weaker than my left. It first became apparent when I would walk up a flight of stairs that it took much more effort to raise my right leg than my left. The weakness gradually got worse, until I was visibly limping. After my GP was not able to tell me what was wrong I was referred to a neurologist and after the results of an MRI came back my diagnosis was confirmed as MS. A couple of months later, the weakness in my leg subsided and I was again able to walk normally. Then just 6 months later the weakness in my leg returned. It got so bad that I had to give in to my grandmother and use the cane that she had stored in her basement. Again after a couple of months, the flare-up subsided.

Just when my life had returned to normal, I remember stopping at an intersection and looking up at the traffic light and thinking something didn’t look quite right. I closed my right eye and looked just through my left and realized that I couldn’t see the colors of the traffic light; I had a grey spot right in the center of my vision. Over the next couple of weeks this spot spread out and very quickly I was completely blind in my left eye. I went to an ophthalmologist who told me it was Optic neuritis, that nothing could be done and I had to just wait and see (no pun intended). Months went by and slowly my vision started to return, however it never did return 100%.

Throughout the course of my illness, in addition to those noted above, I have experienced many other symptoms. These have ranged from numbness and double vision, to an awful period of vertigo during which I had to do a lot of crawling because I was too dizzy and nauseous to stand. With no exaggeration, I can say that those first few years of my diagnosis were the worst years of my life.

Thankfully I am happy to report that I have now been in remission for several years. That is why this cause is so important to me. I want to take advantage of this time in my life, when I am strong, healthy and physically able to participate in something of this magnitude. I want to give a face to MS and hopefully help others, who have suffered or are suffering from its debilitating affects, my family included.

It is only with your help that we will see a the end of MS. Every dollar counts and please know that your contribution WILL make a difference.

Thank you for your support!!

Sponsor Stephanie here

Then, one day, I got an answer.

In 1996 I attended my very first WALK for MS. I had seen a brochure, and thought I had nothing to lose by checking it out. In fact, I had everything to gain. There in front of my eyes were hundreds of people, all of whom who had in some way been touched by MS, and all of whom who had come together with a single, common purpose…

To end MS!

From that day forward I knew I would never feel alone again. A random chance led me to volunteer at my local WALK two years later, and I have never looked back since!

i have since become one of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada’s most visible and prolific spokespeople and volunteers, and I am proud to say that I am one of only three people to ever be named to their Volunteer Hall of Fame!

Today, I spend much of my time talking to others, be they people with MS and their loved ones, potential donors, or corporate partners, sharing the story of my journey and leading by example – showing people that they can be victors over this disease instead of victims of it!

Sadly, my disease has begun to worsen, but I will not let that stop me from doing whatever I can to help find a cause and cure for this insidious disease – and to finally end MS!

Therefore, I am putting my moeny where my mouth is, and am embarking on what is sure to be the biggest challenge of my life, as I attempt to climb 17,600 ft. to Mt Everest Base Camp in Nepal, Asia, using a specially designed wheelchair called a Trail Rider™.

It will be daunting at times. It will be overwhelming at times. But, like I said, I am going into this determined to be a victor, not a victim, and when I finally make it back to the comfort and security of my apartment, it will be with the knowledge that my world will have become infintiely larger than it ever was…

… regardless of the size of the room I might find myself in!

Sponsor Michael here

What more can I say? I truly believe that the effort put forth returns two fold when helping others in need or less fortunate.

We’ve work hard and very few people experience giving back to the community. The money raised for this climb goes towards Multiple Sclerosis which to date there is no cure for. I can’t imagine the thought of finding out a friend or family member being diagnosed with MS.

This climb is a family affair, I’m blessed to share this experience with my siblings Ron and Brian. We are here to support each other and in turn make a difference for those suffering from MS.

Sponsor Gary here

My heart is ever hopefull!

Sponsor Cathy here

The first significant attack that I had was in April of 1996 when I suddenly lost the vision in my right eye for six weeks. It was at that time that I had my first MRI, only to have inconclusive findings. Over the years I silently battled bouts of fatigue that would leave me physically and mentally exhausted. I chose not to directly address the issues until it reached the point where I began to lose the feeling in my feet in addition to increasing bouts of incapacitating fatigue. I had another MRI in January of 2009 and a month later I was officially diagnosed with MS.

I’ll never forget that day. My close friend Nicole Leff was with me at the neurologists’ office. She was there to support me, despite that fact that she had helplessly watched her mother Debbie deteriorate under the wrath of this disease for many years and eventually pass away on Thursday, June 04, 2009. That spring prior to her death, both of our families united at the MS Walk. Sadly, it was Debbie’s last time participating in this event. I can’t begin to tell you what it felt like to participate in the MS Walk and to have a large sticker over my chest declaring that “I am living with MS”.

I decided that I need to do more. I want in to make a difference and to help find a cure for MS. I want to participate in a venture that speaks to some of my core interests of physical fitness, healthy eating as well as creating education and awareness of MS. That is why I decided to participate in the MS Climb. I would like to do what I can to help MS Climb raise 1 million dollars to elevate the support of MS research, and individuals and families living with MS. It is also important to me that I serve as a power of example to others facing MS, while living a healthy and happy life despite of this potentially crippling disease.

I am extremely grateful to have the support of my mother Elly Litvak to work with me on this campaign. Her positive attitude and willingness to give of herself is an ongoing source of motivation for me.

I appreciate any time or money that you are willing to donate to this cause. Please visit my donation site to make a donation and help us to achieve our goal.

With gratitude,

Yonan

Sponsor Yonan here

As far as trekking is concerned, I had the wonderful experience of completing the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Islands west coast in 2001. Over 6.5 days and 77km, my trekking mates and I endured the soggiest weather for which the west coast is known! It was tough, physically and mentally, but the reward of finishing was worth every blister and muscle cramp!

I am certain that the trek to Machu Picchu is going to be a life-changing experience, and I am so happy that I will be doing it with my sister, Stephanie, for our dad and my aunt, in addition to all the other people who have received diagnoses. Through all the efforts of the MS Climb, we will END MS!!

Sponsor Heather here

El Camino del Santiago features a 7 day trek through the Spanish countryside. The route calls for approximately 20 kms of trail to cover every day – none of the altitude but all the effort of the more mountainous Climbs. El Camino was added the the schedule to make MS Climb accessible to people who are in relatively good health but may be prone to suffering from altitude sickness or other types of illness associated with more mountainous destinations. “We wanted to introduce a climb which would be accessible to people with mild MS. In the past, many people who have MS expressed interested in MS Climb but were hesitant because of the unknown challenges with climbing and altitude… now we have something that might work for them… and its AMAZING adventure too!” says Ralph Cochrane, program founder.

Everest Basecamp is 14 days of trekking into the Himalayas of Nepal. For climbers who have been involved for the past two years (Peru, Kilimanjaro) they wanted a new, more exotic and higher altitude adventure so the Basecamp trip was created. Climbers are being taken to higher destinations, they are also taking on higher fund-raising goals with a minimum commitment of $20,000. “I think raising the funds will be the real challenge. Once I get the funds collected, the climbing will be the icing on the cake” says Ron Reeleder, one of the first Climbers to sign up for this year’s “way up there” adventure!

These two new additions to the MS Climb program have already been well received with 6 Climbers already confirming their spots for Everest Basecamp. MS Climb 2010 is already posed to exceed all the funds raised in 2008. Each of the 4 climbs this year have capacity for only 24 climbers so its expected that spots will fill up early in 2010.

RALPH COCHRANE has first hand knowledge of the effects of multiple sclerosis, having watched his mother struggle with the illness his entire life. After participating in several charity runs for the MS Society of Canada, he felt the need to do more so he married his love for travel with his passionate desire to fund research, and created MS Climb. The first excursion was a climb in Peru in 2007 where 23 climbers rasied over $150,000. Since then, the intitative has grown into a five year plan to raise $1 million through hiking adventures around the world. Machu Picchu, Kilimanjaro, The Great Wall of China, Everest Base Camp there’s no challenge too great for MS Climb!

I’ve participated and fundraised in the MS Walk since 2003 and when I was introduced to the MS Climb team last summer I immediately signed on for this year. I’m challenging myself to hike to Everest Base Camp in October, and to raise in excess of $20,000 for the MS Society, with the firm belief that a cure will be found in the near future.

The effect that high altitude has on the body is similar in many respects to symptoms people with MS experience. For the more than 75,000 Canadians who live with MS daily, my discomforts for a couple of weeks will seem minor. My difficulty with walking, stamina, sleeping, breathing, mental tasks, and general discomfort are something they deal with everyday. The only difference is that when I come back the symptoms will disappear.

So that’s my goal! To trek to Mount Everest Basecamp, then come back and regain my health, and to be a part in finding a cure to help people with MS regain their health.

I challenge you to join me in this adventure as a fellow climber, a supporter, or as a helper in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you. Together we can End MS!

Sponsor Jim here

I had two things going: a facebook group and a dinner. The night before the dinner, neither was going too well but then as they say The S**t Hit the Fan (in a great way).

First I went on my facebook group and begged that if you are going to donate please do so now and also on this group I had encouraged them to send signed flags and I would take them to the top of Kili with me. Not 10 minutes after I posted my request I got a reply from Switzerland from my now Swiss Angel Arlette Scharer who said that she didn’t have a lot of money to donate but wanted a picture of the Swiss Flag at the top. So expecting maybe $50.00 dollars I went to check it out and as I sat there and looked and looked and looked at the number I was stunned and the tears started to flow. The amount this woman from so far away, with not very much money, was, get this, $5,000.00. Yes you read that right. $5,000.00 from a total stranger! Then another miracle: the Dinner ticket sales wherein the members at the club I work at heard and started inviting people and within a day or so my event had sold out!

So instead of being on my way out I was on the way to surpassing my goal and then some in a few short days!

I WOULD NOT SUGGEST YOU TRY THIS WHEN YOU FUNDRAISE! But I will tell you to never give up the faith, believe in yourself and believe in others and you WILL succeed!

The climb itself was a blast. It was at times intense, the people were beautiful, but to me the best part was when we visited a school and my heart was touched and my mind was blown by a sweet little girl whose laughter and kindness brings tears to my eyes every time I talk about it! My life has been truly altered by this sweet little girl. It has affected me so much that after my next climb, Everest Base Camp, I will take a break and head back to the school so I can help in some way.

When you are thinking about climbing and you are coming up with excuses of why you can’t to it such as time and fundraising or training STOP. It is all BULL!

Trust ME! DO THIS NOW! It is life altering, it is mind blowing, it is the greatest thing you will ever do!

I almost made it – my ’summit’ was at 5,600 metres (the mountain’s summit is 5895metres), but that’s another story!

I’m not a climber; in fact, prior to this adventure, I had never fully participated in any athletic activity in my 63 years of life! In 2009, I did alter my diet a bit and regularly followed a somewhat-strenous program at the gym to get ready for the trek.

Doing this climb was life-altering; I knew when it was over that I wanted to do more. I benefited tremendously not only from the fitness and well being that I gained from regular exercise, but also from the connection with fellow teammates before and during the climb.

It was so much fun that it would be difficult for me to resist doing it again. And the fabulous feeling of making a contribution to support a good cause drove me to my goal every step of the way. That’s why this year I’ve chosen to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru) and raise another $10K. YOU would be most welcome to come along too…..”

• Canada has the highest rate of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in the world
• MS is more likely to be diagnosed in women
• MS is unpredictable, and often disabling disease with “no cure”

I did the Inca Trail in Peru 2009 to help everyone with multiple sclerosis and I did it for myself… because I have multiple sclerosis too.

If I can do it now and in remission with multiple sclerosis… then you can do it too… and help find a cure for MS!!!

Well, almost…

5 minutes later my brain started trying to figure out how I was going to do it, how to raise the money, afford the gear and the flight, etc. and it tried very hard to take me out of the game. Have you ever had those questioning voices in your head?

What kept me in and had me participate in MS Climb 2008 was three things;

1. the opportunity to travel to Peru and visit Machu Picchu, a long-time dream,
2. to do the trip in a team and community environment with 23 other folks,
3. to achieve it while raising money for a very worthy cause like Multiple Sclerosis Research

The clincher was to be able to make a difference for people whose health might prohibit them from achieving some of their dreams. When I let go of my doubts and needing to know how and just committed, well the adventure began in that moment.

The whole experience, the fundraising, the group get-togethers, going to other people’s fundraisers, the accomplishment of collectively raising over $150,000 that first year, and of course the expedition itself to Peru (so much more than just Machu Picchu) truly was exhilarating, and I will say an experience of a lifetime. There truly exists today a special bond between each of us from the team in 2008, like family.

I remain involved today as MS “ground support” participating wherever I am needed because what I want is for people, for my friends, for other adventurers, to have this opportunity, to raise funds for MS research, to come together as a community of caring people, and to truly have a life changing experience, or set of experiences, from beginning to end. That’s how it was for me, and what is available to everybody that takes this on; to have a life altering experience while making a difference in the world.”

MS Climb is so much more than just those few days climbing a mountain or a few weeks in an exotic country; I joined MS Climb thinking I would see the world with a chance to make a small difference, but I’ve been delighted by it’s greatest surprises for me …. the tremendous generosity of others; the sincere gratitude of those affected by MSwho are encouraged and inspired by what we are doing, and lastly, that we, each, can each make an enormous difference when we put our minds to it. To have made so many new and amazing friends on top of all that …. is just the icing on the cake!

Belinda Lamoca (Climber to Machu Picchu 2008 and Mt. Kilimanjaro 2009; and MS Climb Organizaing Committee)