My Next Adventure

April 16,08

I've decided that my next adventure is to raise $10 thousand dollars for the Arthritis Society by August and then to climb Mt. Kilimimanjaro in Tanzania as part of the group Joints In Motion. Both are huge undertakings, and a little overwelming, but it's now well underway and i can't turn back now.

After the death of my mother last Christmas, I felt like I needed to do something big. Since I had spent most of my vacations for the past several years going home to see her, I felt like I needed to see some of the world. This is helping me get through my grief by giving me something else to focus on... and it's all positive. I'm helping a worthwhile charity, I'm in training for a major challenge, which is boosting my health, and I'm going to Africa which has always been a dream of mine.
But so far so good. 8 days into my fundraising I hit 42% of my goal $42hundred and all i did was send out letters and emails to friends and family.... I have such wonderful supporters. And most of those I approached say they have to wait until the next payday etc, so it's bound to climb!!! Here's a copy of the letter I sent out:
April, 2008

As some of you know, I am planning a trek to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa in August of this year. I am doing it for two reasons – to raise money for the Arthritis Society of Canada and to achieve a personal milestone – conquering Africa’s tallest mountain… but I need your help and support.
In the past few years, I have radically changed my lifestyle – focussing on diet and exercise. As a result, I have been able to enjoy a more active life – hiking, cycling, parasailing, wakeboarding (couldn’t get up though!). But there comes a time when you have to face a more significant challenge. That’s when my co-worker Deborah Creatura suggested a trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro to benefit the Arthritis Society; a Herculean feat but one I feel ready to tackle, with an extensive training program.
After checking out Joints In Motion online, my biggest concern was raising the $10,000 required to participate in the trek. But then I remembered how significant Arthritis has been in my life; it affects me, as well as, several of my family members: my sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, my Dad had Osteoporosis so bad he lost nearly 10 inches in height by the time he died, and my grandmother spent the last 14 years of her life in rehab hospitals, having had most of her joints replaced.
This is where you come in. If I’ve ever helped you before – I’m asking you today to return the favour, by sponsoring me in my trek. All the money raised goes to the Arthritis Society, and donations over $50 are tax deductible.
I will be dedicating my trek to my sister Lynda Wait who suffers from severe arthritis, as well as, Lupus. Also, in memory of my father Neil Weir who had extreme Osteoporosis, and the rest of my extended family who suffer with this debilitating disease.
Thank you for your support.
Darren

Donate to Darren online: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=426709
Or to Deborah online: > http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=426464

As for my physical training. That is well underway too. My trainer Dena is working at building up my cardio and leg strength in time for the trek. Saturday I ran the steps in my building - 17 floors. Today we ran the steps at Casa Loma 5 times!!! and then jogged 5.25km home. Casa Loma jog Other trainers have also said they are willing to help me. And Homeopathic Doctor Bryce Wylde has been an amazing support. He plans to develop a supplements plan for my entire trek. He also put a banner on his website supporting my walk and encouraging others to do the same.
Stay tuned for more!