In September 2008, a group of 8 men and women will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft) to raise funding for education and outreach programs for the Prostate Awareness Foundation.
This expedition has two primary objectives: 1) raise critically needed funding for education and outreach programs, and 2) inspire men and their families with a message of hope. Prostate cancer will affect one in five families in the United States and has reached epidemic proportions.
The Prostate Awareness Foundation, the non-profit organization that sponsors these expeditions provides men and their families with information about available treatment options both conventional and alternative. It also offers guidance about preventative measures, nutritional support and stress management techniques. The object is to help men and their families take a proactive approach to good prostate health.
“Climbing Kilimanjaro is a very popular and successful way of raising money and awareness to charitable causes,” says Robin Paschall, owner of Adventures Within Reach. “We help charity climbs with group rates, promotion, travel arrangements, and ensure a safe and incredible experience.”
This is the 7th year for these “Prostate Cancer Climbs”. Prior climbs have raised over $400,000 USD for prostate cancer awareness and education programs. The expeditions started in 2001 and have included Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Yosemite, the Colorado Rockies, Mt. Blanc, and El Misti.
Ken Malik who is the operations manager for both expeditions is also the co-founder of PAF and a thirteen year veteran of prostate cancer. Ken says that “This year’s expedition will send a message to men and their families dealing with prostate cancer that there can be a rich and rewarding life after diagnosis.”
The group will be climbing Kilimanjaro on the 6-day Marangu Route. The men and women on the climb come from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Idaho, and Florida and range in age from early 30’s to early 60’s.
Mount Kilimanjaro, located three degrees south of the equator in northeastern Tanzania, is the tallest mountain in Africa, and the highest freestanding mountain in the world. “Kilimanjaro is our hottest destination,” says Paschall. “Of the famous ‘Seven Summits,’ this is the easiest to get to and the easiest to climb. It requires no technical climbing experience, and any moderately fit person can summit the mountain.”
The Marangu Route, also called the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular route to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. It takes a minimum of 5 days to complete, and trekkers sleep in huts with simple beds. Although the climb is not a technical climb, summit day is long, strenuous and at high elevation.