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Page 5 of 6
 Alison  "It's no matter if you're born
To play the King or pawn
For the line is thinly drawn 'tween joy and sorrow,
So my fantasy
Becomes reality,
And I must be what I must be and face tomorrow.
So I'll continue to continue to pretend
My life will never end,
And flowers never bend
With the rainfall."
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 Laurel 
Life never turns out as planned. You can do all the right things and still end up with cancer. Cancer know no bounds. It makes you realize that life is precious but fleeting.
We need to make good use of our time on this planet, conquer new challanges and celebrate the joys of living. Climb the highest peak and turn around to take in the view.
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 Sheri  "When I read an article about this expedition, I was so inspired that I had to sign up. My grandfather was a prostate cancer survivor before he died of other health problems. I have an uncle who is a colorectal cancer survivor and two close friends from college who are survivors. I am so excited to be a part of this group and I look forward to climbing for a cure." My dogs, Dusty and Agnes, would love to tag along, but they don't do planes!
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 Kevin 
I first learned of climbing Kili from the story of Dr.Henschke who was a pioneer of Radiotherapy in the 60's, and had climbed, according to an old mentor of mine.
This year is my thirtieth year of working in Radiation Oncology and when I saw the article in the D&C,
I knew, now is the time.
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 Jim 
Never giving up, friendship, overcoming struggles, teamwork, commitment, these will be just a few of the thoughts as forty inspired climbers approach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro at sunrise in March 2008. What Journey has led us to this point in our life. The answer is simple, the love of hiking and the opportunity to join in a community project to demonstrate on a very personal level that cancer survivors can still lace up the boots and pursue life with as much vigor and enthusiasm as was done before being diagnosed with cancer.
For us the Journey has always encompassed new goals and challenges. From the completion of the Adirondack 46, to Mt. Katahdin, to the Presidential Range or just local day treks; enjoying life and nature was often the real goal. Reaching the summit is just the tangible reward for meeting another challenge, but Wow, what a reward it can be!
Life changes, goals change, new challenges present themselves. 2006 was no different. Started year with goal of peak bagging a 14er in Colorado. By February confirm diagnosis of prostate cancer. In March complete additional goal of hiking the Grand Canyon as testimony that life goes on. April starts with operation to remove cancerous prostrate while all along receiving continual encouragement from family and friends. This set back never for a second deterred from the goal and only strengthened our resolve. May thru July present many challenges but also a renewed commitment to never give up and lose site of the goal while relishing the small pleasures in life. August culminates with standing on top of 14,214’ Long’s Peak, Colorado and giving a high five to your best friend. These experiences make us eagerly join Journeys of Inspiration and the exciting opportunity to participate in this vision for community hope and inspiration. We now commit to Mt. Kilimanjaro and slapping another high five! Never give up!
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 Tina 
It is difficult in today’s world not to be affected in some way by cancer. I personally have not had to battle cancer. I have however watched family members and friends fight with amazing strength and determination. Each of these people has been courageous in their battle and inspirational to those around them. I am climbing in honor of each of them, especially my friends Shari Alent and Linda Artruc. It has been one year since Shari passed after a long hard fight against Melanoma. Shari will be in my heart throughout the climb as always. It is with great excitement that I will climb alongside Linda and Paul. It will be a celebration of Linda being cancer free for over 10 years.
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