About the Climb

Who: Since 1998, ten teams from incredibly diverse backgrounds have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania and Gokyo Ri, Nepal as ambassadors for this Alzheimer Society of B.C. fundraising initiative. These people are private citizens, public figures, professionals, media personalities, students, and others. They came together united in a cause, each with their own reasons for making the treks but each dedicated to raising an amazing total of over a million dollars to help those affected by Alzheimer Disease and related dementias.

What: The 2007 Ascent team to Mt. Kilimanjaro will consist of 10 members led by well-known and respected guide, Seamus. A team Doctor also accompanies our group on their Ascent. The route for the climb is chosen to take the team away from the more commonly used pathways and ensure that the climbers have the very best and safest experience possible.

Local porters and assistants – many who have been part of the teams since the Ascent’s inception – will complement our group.

Why: As a national non-profit organization, the Alzheimer Society must face the ongoing challenges of the lack of government support for core operational funding and the ever-increasing competition with other non-profits to raise monies from the public through unique opportunities.

Ascent for Alzheimer’s is one of those unique opportunities and the trek symbolizes the ‘journey’ forced on persons with Alzheimer Disease and related dementias, and shows the incredible stamina and determination of their caregivers as they climb their own ‘mountains’ ever day.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s mission is to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer Disease and related dementias, to promote public awareness and to search for the causes and the cures.

Where: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

When: September 9-19, 2007