Prostate Cancer Climb, Mt. Kilimanjaro - September, 2003
	Prostate Cancer Fighters Climb Mountains On January 27, 2001, a team of climbers reached the summit of Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas and one of the highest peaks in the world. It was no mean feat. Located in Mendoza, Argentina, Mount Aconcagua, the "Roof of Americas", soars 22,841 feet above sea level and presents serious climbing challenges for any team. What made this climb unique was the fact that it was made expressly to increase public awareness of prostate cancer and to raise $1 million for prostate cancer research and education. Every one of the nine climbers and five trekkers had been personally touched by prostate cancer so this climb had special meaning for them. "Not only are these funds invaluable in the fight against Prostate Cancer," said Glenn Weaver, the PCRI Executive Director who himself was part of the team, "the climb represented a powerful symbol, too. We wanted to inspire all men with this disease by showing them that there is hope, and proving to them that a rich and rewarding life is possible after diagnosis." How the Climb Began The Prostate Cancer Climb program was established three years ago by Dr. Terry Weyman, a Los Angeles chiropractor whose father, Hollywood television director Hap Weyman, died of the of the disease in 1990. Weyman's goal: To show that prostate cancer needn't be a death sentence and that through proper awareness and education, prevention can be possible. The cancer survivors on Weyman's first expedition learned they didn't have to set limits. Each climber was personally responsible for raising funds to cover his individual costs for the climb. Therefore, all the individual, corporate, and community pledges that were solicited went toward reaching the goal of raising $1 million to fund education and the research needed in the fight against prostate cancer. The PCRI is the fund administrator and the lead agency for the Prostate Cancer climb. Distribution of the proceeds is determined by the Independent Educational Research Funding Committee (IERFC). The team, which was made up of both experienced and non-experienced climbers, prepared for the ascent of Mount Aconcagua with a series of practice climbs in the United States to gain experience as well as physical fitness and a tolerance for the thin oxygen environment they would be facing as they approached the 22,841-foot summit. "The climb was successful on many levels," recalls Weaver, who himself reached the 21,000-foot level. "Bob Butler, 75, became the oldest man ever to reach the Aconcagua Base Camp at the 16,000 foot level. Bob Each climbed higher than any other prostate cancer patient before him, reaching Camp 2 at the 19,000 foot level. And everyone involved savored the moment when, at 3 p.m. on January 27, 2001, Dr. Weyman stood triumphantly on the 'Roof of the Americas' on behalf of all prostate cancer patients, survivors and loved ones." On to Mount Kilimanjaro Due the success of this climb and an overwhelming public response, the Prostate Cancer Climb will live on. We hope to climb a major mountain every other year and to get men back into the mountains for their disease. Preparations are underway for the Second Hap Weyman Memorial Prostate Cancer Climb in September 2003, when prostate cancer veterans and their supporters will be challenged by "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." This 19,400 peak in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa and presents a set of unique difficulties for climbers The Kilimanjaro team is scheduled to arrive in Moche, Tanzania on Saturday, September 13 for orientation and equipment check. The climb will begin on Sunday, September 14 and take six days and five nights. Following a four-day trek, climbers should reach the summit of Kilimanjaro's 19,340-foot Uhuru Peak on Thursday, September 18. "The high altitude climb is a gritty task in itself, and for those who have the disease the challenge becomes harder," said the Prostate Awareness Foundation Executive Director Ken Malik, a prostate cancer survivor who took part in the Mt. Aconcagua expedition and who plans to tackle Kilimanjaro as well. "To get our message across, we need the support of one and all." To reach the $1 million goal, tax-deductible donations are being solicited from organizations, businesses, and individuals. All the individual, corporate, and community pledges go toward funding education and the research needed in the fight against prostate cancer. In fact, each climber is required to raise at least $2,000 in order to make the journey to Mt. Kilimanjaro. By supporting the climbers and the Hap Weyman Fund, all donors will be recognized on the Climb Web site (www.prostatecancerclimb.org) and will have their names acknowledged in a flag salute at the Kilimanjaro summit. And most importantly, donors will know that they have contributed to a most worthwhile cause. Proceeds of the Prostate Cancer Climb will go to funding education and research. Why not help these climbers get to the top and help the fund go over the top of its goal to raise these funds to fight prostate cancer? Make your check out to PCRI (Please indicate "Climb" on your check), and send it to PCRI, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 885, Los Angeles, CA 90045.