Expedition Hope

I am honored to be joining fellow Indianapolis climbers and friends in an upcoming program — “The 7 Summits! — a mountaineering festival in Indianapolis.” This is a series of presentations by local climbers who, collectively, have climbed on the highest peaks of the world’s seven continents. This will take place at Holliday Park Nature Center Auditorium in Indianapolis, from 2-4 pm, on four consecutive Sundays: Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Sept. 27, and Oct. 4, 2009.

Voluntary contributions encouraged, and all proceeds go to SEVEN IN SEVEN, a climber’s benefit for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Seven In Seven was founded by our friend Larry Howald, who battles with Parkinson’s Disease. Last summer, I was fortunate to be in Colorado with Larry as he summited the last peak in his quest to climb all 54 of Colorado’s 14-ers (peaks over 14,000 feet). This summer, Larry also completed “Seven in Seven” – climbing seven Colorado 14-ers in seven days, in his continued mission to raise funds for Parkinson’s Research.

We hope you can join us for some or all of this series. Thank you!

2-4 pm, Sun. Sept. 13, 2009
Joe Lawson
MT. KOSCIUSZKO
Australia’s highest peak – 7,310’
MT. VINSON MASSIF
Antarctica’s highest peak – 16,067’

2-4 pm, Sun. Sept. 20, 2009
Andy Buroker & Larry Howald
MT. ELBRUS
Europe’s highest peak – 18,510’
MT. KILIMANJARO
Africa’s highest peak – 19,340’

2-4 pm, Sun. Sept. 27, 2009
Ace Yakey & Bob Meyer
MT. McKINLEY (DENALI)
North America’s highest peak – 20,320’
MT. ACONCAGUA
South America’s highest peak – 22,841’

2-4 pm, Sun. Oct. 4, 2009
Dave Carter
MT. EVEREST
Asia & the World’s highest peak – 29,035’

On August 8th, after a long year of training and preparation, my friend Bryan reached his goal of standing on the summit of Longs Peak (14,255 ft) in Colorado. Along with Bryan on this climb and on the summit were his good friend Cameron, me, and my friend Tom H.

Bryan and I first met a little over a year ago through a mutual friend and fellow climber here in Indianapolis. Bryan was looking for someone to share some mountain climbing adventures with his church boy scout troop, and I was able to help out and share some of my experiences with them. After that first meeting, my wife and I got to know Bryan more. He and I learned that we shared several things in common, including a love for the great outdoors. We had also both lost our fathers (mine to suicide, his to heart disease).

Not long after our friendship began, Bryan called me one day and said he wanted to become more physically active. He then said he wanted to set a goal of climbing his first mountain. He was going to do this to honor his father – similar to what I have been doing through Expedition Hope. The day he called and shared with me his goal, Bryan weighed over 320 lbs. I was in awe of his determination and I could hear it in his voice. He has three young children and at that time was only 41 years old. He wanted to be more healthy for his children and for himself.

After he shared this dream out loud, Bryan had my wife and I over for dinner to meet the rest of his family. I recall his oldest daughter saying to me, “Don’t let anything happen to my daddy on the mountain.” OK, that added a little extra stress! But we were both determined to make this dream a success.

Bryan wanted to get to work right away and asked if I would help him with a training plan and also do some training with him. We started off with doing some hiking together and gradually increased to wearing a 40 lb weight vest. Bryan also adjusted his diet and, before long, you could see the weight practically melting off of him. He also began training at a local gym and increased the intensity of his workouts. I could clearly see he was doing everything possible to accomplish his goal.

After a long year of preparation and training, and losing more than 80 lbs, the day to finally depart for Colorado and climb Longs Peak was upon us. Bryan and I flew out on the same flight, arrived in Denver and rented a car to make the drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a beautiful drive and filled with post-card views at every turn. Before long, the full expanse of Longs Peak came into view, and Bryan saw for the first time what was ahead of him. Longs Peak is not a technical climb, but it does have a great deal of exposure, long drop offs and, of course, unpredictable weather. Longs Peak is no “give me” summit.

To prepare from going from sea level to altitude, we first did a few warm-up climbs inside Rocky Mountain National Park. The first peak we climbed was Flattop Mountain. We met and spoke with several climbers on Flattop who were also preparing for Longs. All shared the same anxiety and concerns for the exposure that Bryan would be experiencing. Flattop is a beautiful climb with great views of Longs Peak in the distance. Bryan did a great job on Flattop Mountain, and we both stood on the summit together and shared the day’s accomplishment and spectacular scenery.

The next day, we climbed Twin Sisters, which is another nice warm up for Longs Peak. Again, Bryan did an awesome job, stayed strong, and we both reached the summit for another great view of Longs Peak. The next day, a Thursday, we took as a rest day. Bryan drove back to Denver to pick up Cameron, and I stayed in Estes Park to finish some climb details and logistics. When Bryan and Cam returned to Estes Park, it was time to start packing packs and get focused on the reason why we were all there: Longs Peak!

The next morning, we woke up early and drove to the Longs Peak trailhead. Our plan was to hike to the Boulder Field and make camp for the evening. My friend Tom, a Denver native with whom I climbed in both Russia and Argentina, and his son Ben, were going to meet us in the Boulder Field, so we would be a party of five. On Saturday morning, August 8th, we would go for the summit. This date was important to Bryan, since it was the date of his father’s death.

Friday night brought some high winds, and the tents were getting blown around pretty good. The night was less than restful, since I kept recalling Bryan’s daughters request to me from a year earlier, and what I knew was still ahead of us. The morning came quickly, and we all woke and started to prepare for the climb up to the Keyhole. The Keyhole is a notch in the mountain, and it also acts like a wind tunnel. After consulting with Tom, we decided to wait for the crowd of climbers at the Keyhole to thin out a bit, as well as wait for the winds to hopefully subside. We continued to see a long line of climbers descending from the Keyhole, and it seemed like Bryan talked to each one as they passed our camp. They were all turning around after reporting very high and dangerous winds at the Keyhole. We estimated at least 80 climbers we talked to that determined it was too dangerous and were going down. This really wasn’t helping Bryan’s confidence.

However, we decided to listen to our own instincts, and we started to make the long and steep climb up to the Keyhole, where you must climb through the Keyhole to access the rest of the route. This is where the climbing and exposure really begins. After reaching the Keyhole, Tom went and “poked his head” through the Keyhole to get a better look, while I stayed with Ben, Bryan and Cam. Once Tom gave the go ahead, we had Bryan climb the rest of the way and make his way through the Keyhole. He looked around and saw the Ledges, Narrows and everything he has read about for the past year. Quite honestly, we all thought that Bryan was going to decide to turn around. But after a brief moment of looking around, he turned to the rest of us and said, “Let’s Roll.” Well, game on! I was very proud of Bryan for facing his fears and decided to go for it.

What was just around the corner was the Ledges, which are very exposed, high and do not have much room to make any errors with bad footing. Again, Bryan demonstrated his courage and did a great job. However, after making it past the Ledges, we still had the Narrows, the Trough, and finally the homestretch to climb and negotiate. The route does not become any easier, and the exposure and potential drop offs became greater.
After reaching the vertical rock to the summit, I knew that Bryan was going to do it. After a year of training and commitment, he was now only a few more feet from standing on the summit.

At approximately 12:20 pm Colorado time on August, 8th, the date of Bryan’s fathers death, he stood on the summit of Longs Peak! It was such a great joy and honor to be with him on the summit and to hear him call his children and let them know that he was “on top.” Also, we had beautiful weather and blue skies on the top. It couldn’t have been any more perfect for Bryan, as well as for Cameron, Tom and me.

Bryan’s perseverance was inspiring and also an example of overcoming obstacles to reach a goal – just like with Expedition Hope. I am truly in awe of Bryan’s determination to change his life and to face challenges to reach his goal. He worked hard, was discouraged at times, but never gave up and achieved a dream. I am honored to have been able to share some of that with him. Great job, Bryan!!!

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” – Sir Edmund Hillary

Soon I will be heading to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado with a few friends to climb Longs Peak (14,255 ft). The purpose for this trip is to support my good friend Bryan, who made a commitment last year to lose weight and to get more active for himself and for his three children. His personal goal was to have a challenge and adventure to celebrate his road back to a healthy lifestyle. He chose to climb his first mountain. Like my mountain climbing with Expedition Hope to honor my father’s memory, Bryan is also doing this to remember his father, who passed away from a heart attack a few years ago at an early age. Last summer, Bryan, at age 41, weighed over 300 lbs. To date, he has lost more than 80 lbs and is doing great in his commitment to get fit. We plan to go for the summit on August 8th, the anniversary of Bryan’s father’s death. I’m looking forward to climbing with Bryan on his first 14-er attempt, and I’m honored to share this experience with him.

This Sunday is Father’s Day and, as always, it brings to mind many memories and reflections for me. As I have written about many times before, there are numerous life events that I and my siblings wish that we could have shared with our dad. My father’s day message this year is simple: To encourage all fathers and men who battle with depression to seek treatment (help is available!), and to know that they do not need to battle this illness in silence.

And for those who live, love and/or care for a husband, father, friend, co-worker, etc., who battles with the illness, there is a saying my wife has shared with me, that I wanted to share as well. We even have these words posted on our refrigerator: “To the world you may only be one person … but to one person you maybe the world.” Don’t underestimate the positive impact you can have on a loved one’s life by simply taking the time to care and show your support!

Happy Father’s day to my dad, my father-in-law, my brothers and all of my closest friends who are fathers. Enjoy the day!

This past Saturday was the NAMI Indianapolis 5-K Walk inside the Castleton Square Mall. The turnout was wonderful and inspiring, and the event was a great success! Thanks to all the people who participated and showed their support for NAMI and mental health awareness, including Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and his wife Winnie, who served as honorary chair. To learn more about NAMI Indianapolis and their programs and services, as well as to read a complete event recap or to make a donation, please visit www.namiindy.org. Thank you!

I just wanted to post a quick reminder about NAMI Walks. This is a 5k non-competitive walk-a-thon that will take place inside the Castleton Square Mall on Saturday, May 30, from 8-10 am. Being indoors allows participants to be entirely protected from thunderstorms or other bad weather. All dollars raised will support programs and services provided by NAMI Indianapolis and associated affiliates who are participating. For more information, please visit www.namiindy.org and click on the “NAMIWALKS” icon, or contact NAMI Indianapolis at 317-257-7517.

Today’s date is a difficult one for me and my family, as it marks the anniversary of my father’s suicide. At 16 years old, I was the last of my six (surviving) siblings to speak to my father, and this exchange was more of a heated argument than a loving conversation. Then, a few short days later … news of the suicide. It’s more than any family member should have to bear, let alone a 16 year old boy whose last connection with his dad was to hang up on him. I am now 39 years old, and I still have never really forgiven myself for hanging up on my father when he was telling me he was going to take his life and just wanted to say he loved me. There are times when this pain feels so strong … adages about “time healing all wounds” is not really the case.

I know that I have often written about life events I and my siblings missed sharing with our father — football games, high school graduations, weddings, grandchildren, etc. It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 20 years since my father’s death, but it clearly still affects me today as it did when I was 16 years old.

I would have loved the chance to know what my father would be doing today. He would now be in his early 70s. Would we have gone to football or other sporting events together, gone fishing or hunting? (My father loved to hunt.) What could he have taught his grandchildren? Instead, I see and experience all too well the repercussions that my father’s illness and subsequent suicide has had on me (and my siblings): many long ago years of hurt, anger, guilt and even some feelings of embarrassment when, over the years, people would ask about my father. Most of the times, unfortunately, I wouldn’t be completely forthcoming … sometimes I’d say he died of some natural cause to keep from going into the “story.” Sometimes I feared any stigma associated with his illness. I regret not handling that differently or speaking up sooner.

I finally did find someone who knew the family history, my mistakes and shortcomings, and the years I spent searching for meaning or direction from my father’s suicide. My amazing wife has witnessed me sob at my father’s graveside and more, and is by my side to help with my own struggles. She and others have helped me get over my own stigmas and be able to be a proponent for seeking treatment and talking about it.

Obviously, I wish my father would have made some different decisions and not felt such a stigma for seeking help and treatment. Today, our society is so much more open about discussing depression and paths for treatment, since many people and families experience what the illness can do to their daily lives, to their relationships and to their loved ones.

For so many years, I always wanted to find or figure out a way to honor my father and help others, so, in a way, to draw something positive from a most negative experience. My father’s suicide set in motion what eventually developed into Expedition Hope — my quest to raise awareness, via mountain climbing, about depression and the importance of seeking treatment. More than 19 million Americans suffer from depression, and this illness knows no geographic or cultural barriers. But help is out there. I just wish my father had believed it.

The month of May is Mental Health Month. This is an opportunity to further raise awareness about illnesses such as depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders. Since the beginning of the Expedition Hope mission, I have become even more aware of my own battles, some of which have been buried deep inside me for several years since my father’s suicide. Depression and other mental illnesses can certainly be challenging, but with education, compassion, destigmatization and treatment, it is indeed very possible to live a healthy, productive and happy life. As we enter the month of May and Mental Health Month, I once again wanted to share some information that can be helpful for anyone who lives with this illness, and for the loved ones who love and care for them. For more information, please click on the following link: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/mentalhealthmonth

I’m honored to participate with our local NAMI chapter here in Indianapolis, and there is an upcoming event definitely worth mentioning: There are only 40 Days until the 2009 NAMIWalks!

This event is a 5k non-competitive walk-a-thon that will take place inside the Castleton Square Mall on Saturday, May 30 from 8-10 am. Being indoors allows participants to be entirely protected from thunderstorms such as those that rained out last year’s event!

There are many already pre-registered, but NAMI Indianapolis is always looking for more teams and individuals to participate. Prizes are even available for teams bringing in the most money for NAMI Indianapolis. All dollars raised will support programs and services provided by NAMI Indianapolis and associated affiliates who are participating.

There is also a Pre-Walk Rally, next Tuesday, April 28, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. in the Executive North Conference Center, 911 E. 86th Street, lower level. At the Rally, you will have an opportunity to meet other walkers, hear the latest WALK News, gain valuable information on how to raise dollars for NAMI Indianapolis and get some fun stuff, too, courtesy of M&I Bank.

Please check out www.namiindy.org and click on the “NAMIWALKS” icon, or contact NAMI Indianapolis at 317-257-7517.

I have been home for a little over a month from the Mt. Aconcagua expedition and have been having a challenging time writing my post-expedition reflections, which I have done after each Expedition Hope climb. I still plan to have my reflections completed and posted soon. In the meantime, I wanted to share some items related to current events. It seems like everyone is either personally experiencing or knows someone who is experiencing challenging times from the current economic situation. Many have been laid-off from their jobs, face the potential of losing their homes, are concerned how to pay their bills … the list goes on. Therefore, I wanted to share some information from Mental Health America that addresses this issue.

Mental Health America posted an article today titled “How to Maintain Your Mental Health in Tough Economic Times.” Please click on the following link to view some ways that can help: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=F0EE66DB-1372-4D20-C885B2849F66B623