The time has come for climb number 3 of the 7 Summits for Alzheimer’s: Memories are Everything. I leave for Kathmandu and Everest in less than 24 hours.
The Reason
Let me talk about the climb but first remember that this is to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s. If you find my coverage of Everest over the years interesting, entertaining or useful please donate today. If you know someone with Alzheimer’s, please donate today. If you cherish your memories, please donate today. I am asking that you donate $0.01 per foot I climb or $196 for Everest.
Alzheimer’s is devastating and can hit anyone at any age. It is not an old person’s problem nor a part of normal aging. It is a disease like cancer or diabetes and there is no cure, effective method of early detection and ments only help with the symptoms. And the silent victims are the family caregivers.
A few startling facts recently updated:
- If your family member has Alzheimer’s there is no cure
- The cost to care for someone with Alzheimer’s is well over $5000 a month in a facility and much more if at home
- Every 70 seconds someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s
- More than 60 percent of family caregivers report high levels of stress because of the prolonged duration of caregiving and 33 percent report symptoms of depression.
- Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth leading cause of death for those 65 and older.
Follow the Climb
I will be sending dispatches posted on this Blog throughout the climb, weather and technology willing! You can also sign up for notification of new dispatches through the box in the right sidebar. Please become a fan on our Facebook page.
The Schedule
I am climbing with International Mountain Guides on their Sherpa lead “Classic” team. This is the high level schedule. You can see the daily schedule on the right sidebar of this page and on all Everest 2011 Blog posts. Remember this is estimated and 100% certain to change.
- March 26-29 travel to Kathmandu
- March 30-April 11 trek to base camp at 17,500’
- April 11-12 Everest Base Camp
- April 13-19 Acclimatization climbs on Lobuche
- April 20-23 Everest Base Camp
- April 24-May 7 Acclimatization climbs the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm and Lhotse Face
- May 12-18 Summit Push with summit on May 17th
- May 19-24 trek out, fly to Kathmandu
- May 25 Fly home
I will use the SPOT Locator to transmit my GPS coordinates throughout the expedition. Mostly it will be upon reaching a camp or village but I will upload my location every 10 minutes on the interesting sections such as the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, Lhotse Face and of course through my summit push. Click on the Where’s Alan tab on this page.
Also, thanks to my supporters, Alzheimer’s Immunotherapy Program (AIP) of Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy and Pfizer Inc.. Please visit our newly updated campaign website for more on the campaign at climb4ad.com.
Much, much ,more to come over April and May so please follow along and wish me luck!
Climb On!
Alan
Good luck Alan. We’re following your progress with great interest; your webpages have inspired my four-year old daughter, who now wants to “climb a mountain”
Richard & Megan, England
Recall Orizaba….? Hi Alan Amanda from South Africa. I hope to see you in basecamp with a group of five of my friends I am leading to basecamp and then on to climb Island Peak. Until late April, take care and enjoy the mountains.
Alan, cheers from up the road in Wyoming…stay safe, and God Bless for your efforts…I’m thinking of Don in Estes Park, fighting Alzheimers…and you, at Everest also fighting Alzheimers!
Good luck Alan and to my boyfriend Larry!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Alan, sorry I missed you man. Best of luck if you see this.
Everyone on the Alzheimer’s Reading Room are behind and following you.
Catch ya on the other side.
Bob DeMarco
Alzheimer’s Reading Room
Hi Alan – I’m new to your blog and to the world of climbing. Just wanted to tell you how amazing I’ve found your website, the climbs you are doing and your dedication to your cause. I’m looking forward to following your dispatches from Everest, and I wish you all the best on the way up and back down. Take care and God’s speed.
Thanks for the great video. Thanks for doing this for all the people and families afflicted with Alzheimers.
My best wishes to you this year Alan , wishing you a safe trip up and most importantly , DOWN .
With you every step of the way! Thank you, If my Mom could express herself she would give you all the support & love possible!
Wishing you all the best on this attempt Alan….I am thinking this is your Everest year. Good luck!
Hello Alan, Best of luck !!! have a safe journey. greetings from holland.
With you every step!
Best of luck Alan! I’ll be crossing my fingers for good weather.