Our Mt. Kilimanjaro climb was a huge success. All four climbers reached the summit on May 29, 2007. The goal of our climb was to raise awareness of the 22q13 deletion and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (www.22q13.org) and raise money to help fund the 22q13 Deletion Foundation.
So, we are doing it again. This time it will be Cerro Aconcagua from Feb 7 - 27, 2010. At 22,841 feet (6,962m) Aconcagua in Argentina is the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalaya and is the highest mountain in the Americas. It is 3,500 feet higher than Kilimanjaro. And, it will be a lot more challenging. Known as the highest trek in the world, it will take 21 days and require 14,000 feet of elevation gain to reach the summit. Add unpredictable weather – Aconcagua is known for its blasting winds - and getting to the summit is not guaranteed, even for well-prepared climbers.
I invite you to share this journey with us. It's a journey of both known and unknown challenges. Since our Kilimanjaro climb, the Basher-Dulaney Family has faced numerous challenges. My father battled and won his fight with leukemia, Cindy's father lost his struggle with renal cancer and Cindy herself successfully fought breast cancer. For the climbers, the discomfort and challenges are short-term. For Dane and others with the 22q13 deletion and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, and those that care for them, the challenges are life-long.
I am climbing Aconcagua to honor my father, Cindy's father, Cindy, our son Dane and all those affected by the 22q13 deletion and Phelan-McDermid Syndrome.
This website has information about our climb team, the mountain and Dane. And, if you are so inclined, please make a donation to the 22q13 Deletion Foundation to help us begin to unravel the mysteries of this syndrome.
Please consider donating to support the 22q13 Deletion Foundation. Our
Firstgiving online donation site can be accessed here.
Also you can buy some cool 22q13 Climb merchandise at our
22q13 Climb Shop.
All proceeds from the shop go to the 22q13 Deletion Foundation.
Photo credits: Many of the photos found on this site were kindly provided by Dan Kenady (DK Imagery), an accomplished photographer and mountain man.
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