Behind the Scenes: 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s

Wow, what a day November 9, cheap 2010 turned out to be. After dreaming and working on a plan to climb the 7 Summits and raise $1M for Alzheimer’s’  the past few years, my dream was launched in ways I never envisioned – even in my wildest moments.

First, I had always envisioned a global partner who would help me reach millions of people to spread a message of hope and urgency. Hope that one day there will be a cure for Alzheimer’s. Urgency for the families struggling with the disease; especially given that every 70 seconds a new case is diagnosed.

Thus, I am grateful to The Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy Program (AIP) of Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy and Pfizer Inc. for funding my 7 Summits campaign.

The launch was designed to introduce the campaign: The 7 Summits Climb for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything to the world.

After months of planning, we all rendezvoused in Colorado springs and met at the Garden of the Gods at 4:00AM to reach the East Coast morning shows. The “set” looked like something out of Hollywood. Cameras and lights were set up on a rock bluff providing a perfect backdrop for the television interviews with Pikes Peak in the background. It was perfect, well except for the 30 mph wind gusts! After losing one expensive light and then a camera, the crew rushed to reset the scene a bit lower in an equally impressive yet protected area from the winds.

As my earpiece (IFB) was being strung from my belt to my ear via my shirt, I watched the Floor Manager moving with purpose, the camera man adjusting the camera, the folks in the satellite truck making a quick last minute check; and then …

“OK, were are on with Harrisburg in 5.”

“3,2,1”

“Alan Arnette, mountaineer and Alzheimer’s advocate is about to do something special. He is climbing the highest peak on each of the 7 continents, Hello Alan. Can you tell us why you are embarking on this adventure?”

And it began.

I was able to tell the story of my mom. Tell them that every 70 seconds a new case is diagnosed. That the cost of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s in a facility is equivalent to two new cars every year. I was able to tell them we need more research and we need it now but takes money. I was able …

But what I was not able to do was to convey how my heart broke the day my own mother asked who I was or when she could not recognize herself in a picture. I couldn’t tell them the frustration, hurt, and confusion my mother felt – no one could. But somehow, I think these television and radio personalities got it.

Many people get it because they are experiencing it. This disease is widespread and growing fast. 100 million worldwide by 2050 – not that far away and a huge number equal to one third of today’s U.S. population.

Between interviews, which went in tight sequences: 10 at 3 minutes each; a 2 minute break between and the next 10; I looked around and thought that this was a moment; a moment in time that I will always remember.

Memories is what it is all about, but also about life.

We pushed hard for four hours. It was windy, cold and dark when we started but sunny, calm and warm as we finished. Hopefully a metaphor for research.

I was pleased with the results. This is how WPMT Fox43 in Harrisburg PA covered me:

Thank you. And on radio with Scott West of Daybreak USA:

I think we reached over 3 million people that morning with the message of hope and urgency. A few points I came away based on the reaction from the launch

• doing a world-class launch takes professionals
• television and radio personalities can be your friend
• people will respond when they know the facts

Please make a pledge today to donate for every foot I climb starting in two weeks

Climb On!

Alan

Memories are Everything