28. Update on Life after Kilimanjaro

It’s been seven months since I came home from Africa.  The journey to 19,341 ft along with the long flight home and ensuing jet lag took a lot out of me.  My recovery took at least a month or more.  To be honest, I’m not sure I’ll ever be back to where I was before the climb.  I have resumed a normal life though.  I continue to hike weekly and plan outings for my hiking club.  We’ve gone to some very beautiful destinations here in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. Just this week we went to the Green River Gamelands State Park and hiked along the Green River. The trail was abundant with the emerging spring blooms including Jack-in the- Pulpits, Bloodroots, Sweet Betsy Trilliums, and others.  I am grateful for every day I can get out and walk and hike on my own two feet.   

I continue to be an advocate for the Parkinson’s community.  I have a 60-minute power point presentation of my climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro that I have presented three times with more engagements on my calendar.  I’m seeking further opportunities to give this presentation so if you can help me find speaking engagements, I would appreciate your help.  I also went to Walt Disney World in January and participated in a 10K event on behalf of the Michael J Fox Foundation.  

Our group of nine who summited Mt. Kilimanjaro last August have been invited to be the keynote feature of the Michael J Fox Foundation’s MVP Awards Gala in New York City on April 6.  I will be speaking at the event along with others from our group.  I feel truly humbled and honored to be part of this happening. The climb changed my life forever.  I experienced the majesty of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a magnificent natural wonder. I watched the sunrise from over 18,000 feet. I saw the stars and Milk Way as I’d never seen them.  I felt connected to a greater force outside myself like I have never experienced before.  I found a new family there. I became part of an organization making a difference in this world.  And I have a connection to the people of Tanzania.  

I want to give you an update for those who contributed gear and funds to help our guides and porters who took care of us with kindness, respect, professionalism, and concern for our safety.  Jo and Kristen, two of the women who climbed, are in Tanzania now and delivered a mountain of items to the staff.  They were grateful beyond words for the boots, sleeping bags, water bottles, socks, jackets, pants, shirts, hats, and other items that will make their trips up the mountain safer and more comfortable.  Some did not have the clothing to keep warm or shoes to make their footing safer.  They shared water bottles.  Some didn’t have a sleeping bag to stay warm at night.  Many of you made a real difference in their lives and they want to say a huge thank you.  I want to thank you too.  This is what life is about – helping others along the way and sharing the journey.  

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