The year 2000 Climb for a Cure, Denali expedition has finished. We did not reach the summit, but does this mean we were not successful? NO! It was a wonderful experience on a beautiful mountain and more importantly, with your help, we were able to raise several thousand dollars for the ongoing fight against Breast Cancer.

I was able to climb to 16,400 ft on the 20,320 ft mountain, but with an 8 month pregnant wife at home and lack of the proper mental focus, the decision was made to return safely home. The expedition then continued up to the 17,200ft camp and after being stuck in a storm for five days, made a shot for the summit. With three cases of frostbite (overnight temperatures were in the –35 degree range) and extreme high winds, the prudent decision to turn around was made. The entire team made it safely down, with the exception of a possible loss of two toes on one of the climbers due to frostbite.

In high altitude mountaineering, the attainment of a summit does not necessarily imply success or failure. In our minds, a safe return home is a success. Plans are already underway for Climb for a Cure, Denali 2001.

For those of you who have already sent in your donations, firstly, THANK YOU! The donations are being sent to the Race for the Cure immediately.

For those of you who pledged to the Climb, THANK YOU as well! While the expedition did make it to just over 18,000ft, I only climbed to 16,400ft, so that is the figure I will use to calculate donations. Of course, if you would like to use 18,000ft, that would be wonderful!

See the Climb for a Cure 2000 Photo Gallery