Theresa Carter

I met Endure to Cure’s founder Jason Sissel so I could interview him for a story. Halfway through the interview he invited me to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I had absolutely no hesitation. While I’d never considered climbing a mountain before, let alone the highest free-standing mountain in the world, I knew that this was something I had to do. Not only does it represent a personal challenge for me that will be life changing, it also provides me the opportunity to raise funds for a cause that is dear to me.

 

My goal is to raise $20,000 before climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro. This will be the first mountain I have climbed, and I’m certain it won’t be the last. As a member of the media, I hope to use my story to bring awareness to the cause.

 

My paternal grandmother and I share the same birthday. She passed away less than two years ago from cancer. During her illness, my grandfather frantically and constantly looked for answers and alternatives as he watched her get thinner and thinner and saw the energy sapped from this once-vital woman.

 

My maternal grandfather battled illness after illness for ten years, but the disease that finally claimed his life was cancer.

 

On the other hand, my maternal grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. Early detection saved her, and she just celebrated her 83^rd birthday.