Don's Story...
John, Mike and myself are embarking on an adventure to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in September.   Why???  Well, not really "because it's there."  Speaking only for myself, at 48 years old, I was fading quickly physically with the long-term effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis that resulted in removal of nearly 20 joints in my toes, and the total replacement of my left knee worn out from a life of rough activity that after two previous arthroscopic surgeries left little remaining cartilage.  These issues had also taken a toll on my psyche.  For several years prior to these surgeries all in 2004, the unending pain helped me to lose interest in keeping physically fit, and I no longer participated in many of the life's pleasures that once served as motivators to stay fit.  Consequently, over many years I became physically weak, easily winded, gained over 70 pounds, and depression was settling in.  It was becoming increasingly difficult to get very excited about much of anything.

A couple of years ago through a corporate reorganization, I became acquainted with John.  He just had returned from his climb of Mt. Fuji.  He mentioned as a passing comment that he was thinking of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro sometime in the future.  I gave it little thought until sometime later when he explained it was a "non-technical" climb, meaning it was basically a hike, though a difficult one.  It did not require the complex climbing equipment, education, and peak physical climbing ability I generally associated with mountain climbing.  It did pose serious risks from the extremely high altitude environment, and did require diligent preparation for the distance and several difficult "scrambles" where both hands and feet are required for climbing.  I apparently filed this information away somewhere in the back of my mind, but without any associated future action plans as climbing was not something I had ever intended to do. 

As life progressed, I was advised that the best way for me to eliminate the non-stop piercing knee pain was to have knee replacement surgery in May 2004.  It was a tremendous success and I felt a sense of rejuvenation I hadn't felt in quite some time.  Though referred to as a "poster child" by the hospital staff, I truly attribute the results to simply adhering to the instructions provided by the medical community.   

As part of the process for the knee replacement, I attended a pre-op class provided by the hospital that included 8-10 other patients.  It was there that the foundation for my then unknown future decision to climb began to form.   The people in that class were so down, depressed, pessimistic, and feeling that life for them was over that it really impacted me.  I was there for a renewal; for a "re-tread" of a bad knee so that life could possibly resume somewhat close to how I knew it once was.  That day I resolved to do something "audacious" some day in hopes of shocking these people and perhaps others like them, that life isn't over at 50, 60, or beyond when medical help such as this is as good as it is.  However, I knew I could easily drift towards their attitude if I didn't actively manage it diligently which I found was more of a challenge than I really expected.

Some months later after a very successful surgery and recovery I again saw John.  At some point during the day's business he again briefly mentioned that plans to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro were becoming real.  This time, I asked if he would be open to having some company on his trip.  His quick response of an enthusiastic yes actually surprised me.   Because of my experience with his unwavering character consistently grounded in reality, and his encouragement by his rapid response, I surprised myself beginning to believe I really could do it.  I consulted my wife by providing all the worst-case potential dangers and finances required. She responded quickly to "go for it" and became yet another affirming surprise for me.  After checking for any recent life insurance status changes with her as beneficiary :) ... just kidding, I informed John it is looking like a "go" - so far.  

The reality of what I was committing to began to set in.  So, after several days of hesitation - and not wanting to hear the expected conservative medical community "no" that I was mustering up the courage to ignore; I consulted with my knee surgeon and Rheumatologist. To my great surprise and relief, they were personally involved with climbing and agreed it was something I and my body parts (the originals and the replacement parts) should be able to do.  Another surprise. (Gulp.)  At that moment I made a non-negotiable personal commitment to the decision and informed John it was now a firm "go" and paid the $500 down payment commitment to the outfitters. 

The decision almost immediately began doing exactly what I was hoping.  Things began to happen.  The knee manufacturer had previously indicated the knee should withstand the stresses and now asked if they could be involved with my adventure for marketing reasons.  I agreed.  They began the process of scheduling reporters and photographers.  (Another gulp.)  Through reviewing my motives I knew this was necessary to satisfy the goal of inspiring the depressed owners of new and very capable knees.  I was interviewed and photographed by two Lafayette newspapers and an Indianapolis TV station.  Again somewhat surprising to me at least, all did well capturing the essence of my medical background, the trip logistics, and my motives. 

The day that my first foot surgery (October 2004) happened was in the same facility as my knee surgeon's practice, the morning paper featured a full-page article explaining my situation and pending adventure.  My knee surgeon sought me out and informed me that 5-6 of his previous knee replacement patients had called that morning asking if their knees were able to do more active things.  He was delighted as was I.  So, the first of the two major issues of my motives was being met.  And, at 10 months prior to departure, the reality and meaning of what I was doing was strengthened. Not only did I have to make the trip, but I had to reach the summit.  I had to succeed to be the inspiration to others I was intending to be.

The second major benefit I was hoping gain from this decision was the personal goals related to my previous inability to inspire myself to make the lifestyle changes I knew I "should" make but could not seem to find the energy or motivation to accomplish.  The attraction of this trip was that reaching the summit actually seemed possible for me, but not without serious consistent and focused preparation.  It was also dangerous enough that I realized the preparation couldn't be excused or rationalized away, nor could it be adequately completed at the last minute.  It had to happen against my bad habits of caffeine, sugar preferences, and total lack of exercise for the previous 5-10 years.  It was a goal worth doing, but required consistent preparation that, if done, would restore me to a physical condition that would restore the quality of life I wanted to get back - not only for me but for what it would mean to my wife and son.  To date, this trip has already provided many of these personal rewards I was hoping for. See the Physical Preparation link for those details.