Let’s climb a mountain.
Those who know me know that Kilimanjaro has been on my bucket list for some time. A while back, I got really into hiking around the time a friend told me about his experience on Kilimanjaro. What followed was three-plus years of reading and studying the trek.
I’ve talked with several outfitters about the trip up the mountain, and at one point was very, very close to signing on the dotted line and sending a deposit. That opportunity, though a chance to climb with a well-respected guide and an excellent team, didn’t work out.
Going back to the drawing board, I realized I’d be more interested in making the trip to bring attention to a great cause and help make a difference for others rather than just going on an adventure for myself.
Earlier this year, I stumbled upon a great opportunity. Not only is it a chance to trek with the best in the business, but it is for the benefit of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to combat childhood cancer. This project requires fundraising a minimum of $12,000 for St. Jude.
Do hard things.
What does it mean to do hard things?
Hard is a relative term. But in most cases, something being hard requires a great deal of effort.
That doesn’t necessarily mean complicated, but it can be. Nor does it mean unpleasant, but it may be.
Through this lens, we can classify many things as being hard. School can be hard. Work can be hard. Writing a book can be hard. Running a marathon is hard. Parenting is hard.
Relationships are hard. Life, even, can be hard.
If there is one lesson I want my children to remember from dad, it is this:
“ Though it is true that many things in life are hard, it is equally true that you can do hard things. ”
The hard associated with climbing a mountain is nothing compared to the hard kids and their families face when battling cancer.
As a St. Jude hero, I have chosen to climb for a reason bigger than myself, raising awareness and funds for the kids and families at St. Jude. I am training hard and with your donation we can cross the fundraising finish line together.
Did you know:
- Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food - because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
- Treatments invented at St. Jude have helped push the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to more than 80% since it opened more than 50 years ago. St. Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer.
- St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, and every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
Donate today to help me reach my goal. Even when the climb is done, the fight to end childhood cancer continues.