Join me virtually on my summit journey!

Hello from Pheriche, Nepal! It’s time to climb Mt. Everest! 

A few days ago, I stepped off the plane and looked down at my bags that were being gathered and stowed away in a safe place with everyone else’s, and thought: It’s going to happen! I could feel the excitement inside of me growing. 

I almost wanted to sing, “All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go . . .”, but I thought that’s really too simple for this moment. 

After all, I’m preparing to climb the tallest mountain in the world. As I write this, my group is moving closer to Base Camp. Yes, we have seen Everest in the distance, and we know that we are going there and then coming back! 

My daughter is here and she will go to Base Camp with me. I can’t tell you what this means to have her here. But my thoughts are also back home and on the Everyday Everest Campaign. 

Last year, I wrote that my family, friends, and clients know I rarely do things by halves. When I make a commitment, I’m all in! So, here I am ready to climb to the tallest and probably the most difficult to reach summit on earth in an effort to raise awareness for cancer prevention. 

The reason I climb is not to get to the top of this mountain or only to have my name placed on a list of those who summitted here. My purpose goes way beyond this. I climb with a prayer in my heart that cancer will one day no longer be a threat to life. 

I want the medical community to find a cure, a way to support early detection, and a way to stop this disease! So, I’m asking, “Will you climb with me through your support of #EverydayEverest?”

I have climbed most of the world’s tallest peaks. There are seven, and I know Everest will be my most challenging. But I want to impact this world with something bigger than myself and my ability! 

I want to see people cured of this disease and research is how we do it. Honestly, over the last few years, I have lost family members and friends to cancer, and I believe it’s time for all of us to step up to ask: “What can I do to prevent the cancer death toll from growing?” Early detection is one of the most encouraging ways. 

So, my commitment is personal. My given name is Helen, and there were two Helens before me, who passed away from cancer. I’m convinced they would still be here if early screening had been available to them. 

This climb to the top of Mt. Everest is for women—strangers I do not know but whose goal is simply to “summit” life and live! 

I’m dedicating my climb to MUSC Hollings Cancer Center. Thanks to YOU, we’ve reached our initial fundraising summit of $1 million!! However, there is no mountain or goal high enough when it comes to fighting against cancer, and we remain committed to raising as much as possible to increase access to treatment throughout the state of South Carolina.

Here are the numbers: Only about 5,000 people have reached the summit of Everest – the highest point on the planet at 29,028 feet. Many have turned back while others have not made it tot he top. But I plan to summit and to take a huge step forward in cancer education and prevention. You can follow my ascent and learn more at Everyday Everest.

I’m asking you to join me — to climb Mount Everest with me and to summit alongside me by supporting my effort and by promoting awareness for cancer outreach, education, and screenings. 

Everyday people do extraordinary things and some days, just making and keeping a pap, skin or #mammogram appointment is like summiting a mountain. I GET IT.  

If I can power up the hill towards #everestbasecamp in support of @hollingscancercenter YOU can take the health pledge and commit to reprioritizing your health TODAY. 

Please visit my personal Everyday Everestwebsite. There you will learn what you can do to support this cause, and PLEASE take my healthcare pledge, and consider donating to this life-giving effort! 

Thank you for your support. I’ll keep you updated from the approach trail that leads to the top of Mt. Everest.

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