Free The Children - Redefine Possible

Free The Children - Redefine Possible tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012-03-22:/redefinepossible//7 2012-07-19T19:45:31Z Spencer's redefine possible campaign blog Movable Type 5.04 From Mountain to Media: Me on CBS tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.222 2012-07-19T19:23:24Z 2012-07-19T19:45:31Z

Spencer West

Having conquered its largest mountain last month, I'm now back from Africa and have just shared my story in a very big way: on both the CBS Evening News and CBS This Morning.

Seems so long ago now, but just last month, along with my two best friends, I summitted Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro with the aim of inspiring others to rethink their own "possible," and with a goal of raising $750,000 for Free The Children's clean-water projects in Kenya. The climb, which I completed primarily on my hands, captured the attention of media around the world.

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Last night it ramped up even more! I shared my story on the CBS Evening News in my first post-climb, sit-down interview with anchor, Scott Pelley, which was taped in Kenya. And this morning I had the humbling honour to appear on CBS This Morning for an in-studio interview with co-hosts Charlie Rose, Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King.

It was such a thrill!

The climb has already received international coverage from the likes of ABC Nightly News, the BBC and People.com. But this dual CBS coverage represents a fantastic, unprecedented opportunity for the story of my incredible journey - and the Redefine Possible campaign, which to date has raised more than half a million dollars - to reach a combined audience of six million.

Check out the interviews on the links above, share them, and encourage everyone you know to redefine their possible. The climb is done, but we still haven't reached our goal of $750,000 for clean-water projects in Kenya. Please click here to donate.

Thank you!
]]> Mountain music: my video debut tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.216 2012-07-06T19:08:22Z 2012-07-06T19:13:03Z

I've had the incredible good fortune to not only meet Nelly Furtado but to call her friend. And now, unbelievably, she has been kind enough to combine her latest song with clips from my Kilimanjaro climb to make a...

Spencer West

]]> "Spirit Indestructible" is amazing and has such a powerful message. I am extremely humbled to be associated with such an inspirational song. The clips that were chosen for the lyrics are awesome and, although it's only been a few weeks, seeing them brought back so many memories from our climb!

I'd like to thank Nelly so much for this opportunity - not only for the video but for spreading my story and message as she tours the world. I am eternally grateful and equally inspired by her music and the difference she makes in the world with her incredible gifts.]]> Redefining Exposure! tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.195 2012-06-26T18:11:25Z 2012-06-26T19:01:32Z

Spencer West

We simply cannot believe how the world has embraced Redefine Possible. Especially after such modest beginnings.

We were able to roll out the campaign last year with the support of a talented and resourceful network of incredible people. We hoped to raise money and draw attention (from anywhere we could) to our cause - to help provide clean water projects for East Africans suffering from the effects of the worst drought in the region in 60 years.

Of course, we had friends and family supporting us (parents can, in fact, learn to use Twitter if it means following their children up a mountain) but our hope was to inspire a global audience.

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We knew what we were doing was big, but had no idea how big. We could never have imagined that the eyes of the world would follow us so intently on our journey. But they did.

A few days ago we were able to reach the top, urged on by our believers. And now so many more have joined their ranks!

We are truly thrilled, overwhelmed and humbled by the worldwide interest in our accomplishment, not only from media headquartered in our home base of Toronto (special thanks to CTV, Global TV The Morning Show and CHUM, for taking an interest from even before I began the climb), but throughout the U.S. and the U.K. - from CBS News online, to the esteemed Telegraph. Even People.com (usually the domain of celebrities) gave us some coverage. And of course, how can I forget my experience with the BBC.

It's safe to say the exposure Redefine Possible has received around the globe, through social and mass media, is miraculous! From raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, to receiving countless Tweets and Facebook messages from all over the world--Portugal, Croatia, Australia, Spain, Germany, Kenya, Tanzania and India, to name some. Support has come from people we've never met, who live in places we've never been. They followed us during our climb, got the message, and offered kind words and donations.

Turns out it wasn't just our moms reading the daily climb blog.

]]> The largest THANK YOU from Africa tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.208 2012-06-23T15:20:01Z 2012-06-24T15:31:52Z

Spencer West

As we made our final descent from the moorland to the Marnagu Huts, I began to reflect on the people who helped us realize our triumphant goal of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. After all, it may have taken the better part of seven gruelling days to complete the actual climb, but Redefine Possible truly began many months before. We were urged to pursue this dream by so many believers, had it fuelled by them as we prepared, and were bolstered by their support every step up the mountain.

It's impossible to properly thank all of these amazing people in one message, and it would suck to miss anyone. But at the same time it would be a shame not to try, considering that possible has just been so recently redefined!

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Outstanding support also came from KPMG staff; Sunrise Medical; and the Research In Motion staff, especially Thorsten Heins who provided me with the wonderful opportunity to speak at Blackberry World (I carried all of RIM's support up the mountain with me, and I thank you for the Playbook!) and Sarah Moote for all of her support.

Of course we couldn't have survived without the expertise of Mountain Equipment Co-op staff, and a special thanks to David Labistour. We also relied on Patagonia for some of the gear we needed to succeed, and for this we are so very grateful.

A special "thank you" goes to Yoel and Eva Haller, Chair of the U.S. board of directors for Free The Children, for all of your incredible support. Thanks as well to Jacki Kelly and Universal McCann; to the city of Seattle; to the team at Facebook; and to Don Morrison, who is such a huge champion. I really can't thank Don and his wife Debbie enough for truly cheering me along the way.

There were so many wonderful individuals and families who supported the campaign with their dedication and generosity. In particular: Brooke, Tracy and Isabel Wade; Brad and Marion Miller; Lorne, Melita, Chanel and Matthew Segal; Chris and Sharla Krywulak; Dr. Hamid Mowafaghian and the Mowafaghian Foundation; Margot Micallef; and Brett Wilson. Your generosity was as heartfelt as it was essential. You all contributed so much to the campaign. (And I know you're already eagerly looking forward to We Day!)

Of course, possible would not have been redefined at all without Free The Children and Me to We. In particular, I need to thank Craig Kielburger, Marc Kielburger and Roxanne Joyal for their love and unerring support and guidance.

There are so many more people I am deeply indebted to for all manner of support and encouragement. Apologies if I have missed you here. Please know that I will share my gratitude in some way very soon.

Until then, thank you all for allowing us to redefine possible. Together.

I'll be spending the next few weeks in Kenya, in the communities that inspired this campaign. I get to spend some more invaluable time with the people who helped me find my path, and I'm touched that it is leading back to them again. Because, above all, it will be these wonderful people who receive my most heartfelt thanks. They had nothing material to offer, but they gave me everything.]]> Possible Redefined! tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.207 2012-06-19T13:10:57Z 2012-06-19T20:06:15Z

Hans Meyer cave to Uhuru Peak: 19, 340 ft.Hike duration: 3 hoursTemperature: -5 degrees CelsiusWord that captures the day:Spencer: "We...David: "...made...Alex: "...it!"This was it. The day that possible would be redefined. It was an almighty struggle, but...WE MADE IT!We...

Spencer West

Hans Meyer cave to Uhuru Peak: 19, 340 ft.

Hike duration: 3 hours

Temperature: -5 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:
Spencer: "We...
David: "...made...
Alex: "...it!"

This was it. The day that possible would be redefined. It was an almighty struggle, but...WE MADE IT!

We woke super-early (4 AM) to a light breakfast, and then prepared for our final ascent. Our goal, quite simply: to reach Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

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The moment the summit was within sight... it was incredible. We looked around - me, David and Alex - and realized that, after seven grueling days of relentless climbing, after 20,000 feet of our blood, sweat and tears (and, let's face it, vomit) we had actually made it. We were at the top. The summit sign seemed almost like a mirage.

Then it sunk in. We made it. To the top of the mountain. The mountain that I promised to the world I would climb. The bleeding fingers and blisters were all worth it. I looked at the guys, my two buddies who dreamed up this crazy plan with me, and realized we actually finished what we started.

Then we had a really manly moment, collapsed into a heap, and shed a tear (or two, but don't tell my mom). There we were: me and my two best friends in the entire world, sitting together at the top of Africa, the continent that had taught us so much about compassion, humility and the power of we.

Totally fatigued, overcome by emotion, and completely and utterly fulfilled. The eyes of the world would be on us later. But for those few, magical moments, it was just us. We didn't need words to express the feeling. Instead it was that shared, knowing glance that Rick Hansen observed between us, that now kicked in to full effect.

Having reached the top has reinforced my belief in myself, and my belief in others. This triumph is for all the people around the world who made this journey possible for me. I have been humbled by your support right from the start. But it all just came flooding over me at the summit. I'm so moved to be able to share this incredible day with all of you.

There are so many people to thank. But, in particular, I keep thinking about the little girl I met while volunteering in a Kenyan village a few years ago. She had changed the course of my entire life with just a few simple, honest words. Looking at where my legs would have been she said, "I didn't know things like this happened to white people." I have often wondered if that little girl has been affected by the drought, the worst of its kind in East Africa in 60 years. This was the very reason we launched the Redefine Possible campaign - to raise money for clean-water programming for the East African communities affected by drought. I still don't know how she and her family fared. But I do know that, as of today, I've done something to repay her.

And if I met her again, I'd tell her that things do happen, good and bad, to all of us. But what defines us is not what we look like, the colour of our skin, or how many limbs we have. Not even close. It's who we are inside, and what we choose to do with the time we are fortunate enough to have on earth.

Today I reached the top of the tallest free-standing mountain in Africa by, for the most part, walking on my hands. And I did it with my best friends. I will live in this moment again and again for the rest of my life. And if I ever second-guess what's possible, that doubt will be obliterated.

What is possible for me has now been redefined. That is my hope for all of us.

You don't have to climb a mountain to redefine your possible. But thank you for climbing this one with me.

How will you redefine your possible?
]]> Day Six: The Last Night of Doubt tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.206 2012-06-18T17:29:12Z 2012-06-18T20:13:33Z

Kibo Hut to Hans Meyer Cave: 17,200 ft.Hike duration: 4 hoursTemperature: -5 degrees CelsiusWord that captures the day:Spencer: "Challenging."David: "Difficult."Alex: "Depleted."I thought yesterday was hard and cold. It was. But it was nothing compared to today. This was by far...

Spencer West

Kibo Hut to Hans Meyer Cave: 17,200 ft.

Hike duration: 4 hours

Temperature: -5 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:
Spencer: "Challenging."
David: "Difficult."
Alex: "Depleted."

I thought yesterday was hard and cold. It was. But it was nothing compared to today. This was by far the hardest day yet.

We continued our ascent, crossing the alpine desert. Sound remote and freezing? It is. The terrain was similar to yesterday - loose rocks and nothing green in sight - but today we encountered snow! It wasn't much of a factor, the snow, except as a reminder of what's about to come: the grueling summit attempt.

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We are currently at about 17,200 ft., having stopped early to stay at a seldom-used site. We're the only ones up here (unlike the well-populated tent cities at points along the main route below). It's so desolate.

And, perhaps more importantly, camping here gives us a chance to better acclimate to this height before summiting. Unfortunately Alex is taking a while to do so - he's really been nailed by altitude sickness. He took his altitude medication and when we got to camp he slept most of the afternoon. (Hopefully he'll have it together for tomorrow morning!) The rest of us were simply and utterly bagged. We had so little left in the tank that Paul, our head guide, actually helped blow up our air mattresses. We had no air to spare.

From here we begin the summit climb at about 4:00 AM tomorrow. Breaking the full summit climb into two (today and tomorrow) means that if we are successful - and that's a mountain-sized 'if" - we'll be able to reach the top in daylight rather than in darkness. As of right now, I'd be happy to just be there period.

We are all hitting the sleeping bags early tonight because of the extra-early start. Even though we can actually see the rim of the crater from here - our goal - I cannot even imagine what tomorrow will be like, or how we'll respond.

If it is indeed darkest before the dawn, as they say, this is gonna be one dark night. This is when I'll be summoning every smiling face, every friendly handshake, every loving hug and every encouraging word I've been so generously offered since the campaign started. And for those of you who, like me, have been told you couldn't do something, that you weren't good enough, that it wasn't possible: think of me tonight. Because I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing it for all of us.

Next week I go back to being the Spence everyone knows at sea-level. But for all the people who have ever thought or been told, "It can't be done!" tonight is the last night of doubt. Ever.
]]> Day Five: Crossing the Lunar Desert tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.205 2012-06-17T19:01:21Z 2012-06-18T17:20:00Z

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut: 15,466 ft.Hike duration: 4 hoursTemperature: 5 degrees CelsiusWord that captures the day:Spencer: "Powerful"David: "Humbled"Alex: "Connected"Today was hard. And it was cold.We're talking really cold - five degrees (Celsius) during the day and way chillier...

Spencer West

Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Hut: 15,466 ft.

Hike duration: 4 hours

Temperature: 5 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:
Spencer: "Powerful"
David: "Humbled"
Alex: "Connected"

Today was hard. And it was cold.

We're talking really cold - five degrees (Celsius) during the day and way chillier at night. It feels like the dark side of the moon, which is fitting because today we crossed what's known as the lunar desert - the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks - to reach the huts at the bottom of Kibo peak.
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Tomorrow we cross what's known as the alpine desert, but the mountain didn't wait 'til then to dole out some punishment: altitude sickness hit the team really hard today for the first time. I was lucky to escape the worst of it, but David and Alex got slammed - really bad headaches, nausea and fatigue. It was a real struggle but they're doing OK now, after some medication, eating and getting some much-deserved rest.

While the altitude sickness may have been inevitable, we've been pretty well prepared for most other challenges. (Months of preparation and research will do that!) Tamara, my good friend and colleague at Free The Children, climbed Kilimanjaro a few years ago and was one awesome resource. She shared loads of helpful info when we travelled together to Manchester, England, recently for my BBC Breakfast and BBC Manchester Radio interviews. She told me to drink lots of water (a minimum of two litres a day, no matter what), to sleep with a hot water bottle and to bring wrap-around sunglasses to protect my eyes from sun damage (especially for summiting).

Most importantly, the day before I left, Tamara pulled me aside and told me how proud she is of me.

Tamara is but one of the many amazing women in my life who I've been inspired by and fortunate enough to learn from - like my sister Annie, who taught me, among many things, the importance of taking the occasional risk. Safe to say I've taken that to heart, considering my current situation - climbing above the clouds with the world watching.

And I wouldn't even be up here without the woman who gave me life and taught me to be, above all, a compassionate human being: my Mom.

As David said yesterday in his Father's Day message, the higher we climb, and the farther we get on this adventure, the more we miss the ones we love. So true, but no real shocker. What did impact us today was the altitude sickness, the bitter cold and the steeper terrain. And even though we also discovered a renewed sense of determination, I think we are all awed by what we still have to accomplish.

Tomorrow we trek up the alpine desert. The following day we attempt to summit. That's the day we find out if possible truly can be redefined.

]]> Day Four: A Day for Dads tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.204 2012-06-16T18:49:13Z 2012-06-16T22:56:52Z

Rest day at roughly 14,000 ft.Temperature: 10 degrees CelsiusWord that captures the day:Spencer: "Kenny West" (father)Alex: "Tony Meers" (father)David: "Ella/Arlo Johnson" (daughter/son)The day was spent resting and acclimating to the altitude and our surroundings, which is essentially some of...

Spencer West

Rest day at roughly 14,000 ft.

Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:
Spencer: "Kenny West" (father)
Alex: "Tony Meers" (father)
David: "Ella/Arlo Johnson" (daughter/son)

The day was spent resting and acclimating to the altitude and our surroundings, which is essentially some of the most superb alpine views imaginable. And so, without a grueling climb to endure, and as Father's Day is nearly upon us, it's the perfect time and the ideal setting to think about my dad, Kenny.

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My dad is not only someone who has never been afraid of a challenge; he's also an avid outdoorsman. (Talk about nailing the prerequisites as a mentor for a one-day Kilimanjaro climber!) As a kid Kenny spent most of his summers at a cabin in Pinedale, Wyoming. He and his three brothers had their father's love and respect for the environment instilled in them at a very young age. They all learned basic survival skills, how to use a compass and, if they got lost, to always head downhill and follow the river to the main road.

He's following our climb and marveling at all the sights we've managed to share.

In addition to helping shape the person I've become, he's also innately shared his wisdom and humour, as only a dad can. (His favorite joke: "I can't wait for tomorrow." "Why?" "Because I get better looking every day!")

And his latest advice has been a real shot in the arm. Almost literally. Before I left for the climb he gave me these special elbow pads to help ward off a lingering case of tennis elbow that we both knew would bug me. And I'm happy to report they've really worked!

My dad, nature-lover, funnyman (and now physiotherapy-equipment consultant), is such an honest and forthright person, I thought it fitting to send a simple, straightforward but vitally important message down to him from this mountain:

Dad, I love you.

- Spencer

David, Spencer's best friend and fellow climber, also wants to share a few words about Father's Day, from a different perspective:

Just like Alex and Spencer, I'm thinking about my dear ol' Dad, too. But this Father's Day, I'm also reflecting on my relationship with my own young kids, Ella and Arlo, which seems to grow deeper by the day.

I know I'll look back on this climb with a great deal of pride. It's an accomplishment that I'll be able to share with my kids someday. I recently had the honour of being featured in Free The Children's Father's Day campaign, Because Dad Taught You (see if you can spot my photo in the campaign!). And that line, 'because dad taught you,' has really made me consider what this 20,000-step trip, this journey to Redefine Possible, is teaching my children. More than anything, I hope they learn that they, too, can achieve the impossible.

But right now I'm thinking about the lessons they have been teaching me. Every single day.

As Director and Talent Producer at Free The Children, I've been so fortunate to have such an amazing job, getting to know the real people behind the glare of the celebrity spotlight. Doing my part to help make the world a better place with my friends and colleagues at Free The Children and Me to We. There are countless opportunities to share my expertise and creativity - all of them incredibly stimulating, professionally and personally.

But even they pale in comparison to my role as Dad. It's by far the most creative aspect of my life; the most rewarding; and, of course, the closest to my heart. The more my kids learn, the more they express themselves - it's mind-blowing. They've made me appreciate living in the moment, and that the little joys, little break-throughs and, of course, the little hugs are the richest rewards of all.

Time and distance make the heart grow fond. And as I'm currently above the clouds on the remote slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, more than a week since I felt their hugs and heard their voices, I haven't loved my Ella and Arlo as much as I do right now.
]]> Day Three: The Heights of Friendship tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.194 2012-06-15T18:11:15Z 2012-06-15T19:08:33Z

Spencer West

SECOND CAVE TO KIKELEWA CAMP (Third cave): 11,440 ft. - 12,057 ft.

Hike duration: 4 hours

Temperature: 8 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:

Spencer: "Friendship"

David: "Reflection"

Alex: "Uplifting"

My word of the day - friendship - cannot be understated.

I've gotta be honest: Day Two was a real struggle. I felt better once we were all reunited at the camp by day's end. But the fact that we had to break into two groups (in order to proceed more efficiently) was actually more discouraging than I cared to share yesterday. It was slow going, a frustrating climb and being apart, well, sucked.

Today was a different story, thankfully.

]]> After a relatively short yet steep climb up grassy slopes we were rewarded with more stunning views and a real sense that we were becoming more and more remote - we had hiked beyond the limits of vegetation, basically surrounded by short shrubs and sagebrush. (Think Coyote vs Roadrunner.) We had a really good conversation about pacing at the outset, and I believe it made a huge difference.

For the first time, it felt like we got into a groove. Even though the trekking was as tough as anything we encountered yesterday, today it felt tough but doable. I feel like I'm adapting, that we're all moving more intuitively.

But most importantly, we are working as a team!

At one point today there was, like yesterday, no alternative but to carry me atop the chair-lifter for a

little while. But this time it was David and Alex who (literally) shouldered me. If you can say, at any time in your life, that you have a friend who will carry you up a mountain, you're among the most fortunate anywhere. I can say I have two.

Day Three had its own soundtrack, too. We all had the lyrics of Awake My Soul, by Mumford and Sons, rattling around in our heads.

"Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all

But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall

Lend me your eyes I can change what you see

But your soul you must keep, totally free.

And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know

My weakness I feel I must finally show."

Tomorrow is the half-way point of the climb. I know it gets even more challenging from here, in terms of ascent, altitude and accumulative fatigue. The importance of teamwork is coming into even sharper focus for all three of us. Thankfully, the porters are fearless and amazing, and our head guide, Paul, is probably the most capable human being on the planet to lead this expedition.

But above all, for me, David Johnson and Alex Meers are irreplaceable. The great Rick Hansen couldn't have been more perceptive: he recently recognized the indelible bond between me and David from a single, wordless glance. The very same could have been noted between any combination of all three of us. Rick said the strength of that bond is what will get us to the top. I had thought he was talking about conquering this mountain.

I now know he was talking about so much more.

"In these bodies we will live,

in these bodies we will die

Where you invest your love,

you invest your life."

]]> Day Two: Things Are Ramping Up tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.203 2012-06-14T14:47:07Z 2012-06-15T15:03:48Z

Rongai Cave to 'Second Cave': 8,645 ft. to 11,440 ft.Hike duration: 5.5 hoursTemperature: 10 degrees CelsiusWord that captures the day:?Spencer: "Beautiful"David: "Pole pole" (Swahili for "slowly.") Alex: "Grateful" You could say things are ramping up here. No one on...

Spencer West

Rongai Cave to 'Second Cave': 8,645 ft. to 11,440 ft.

Hike duration: 5.5 hours

Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day:?
Spencer: "Beautiful"
David: "Pole pole" (Swahili for "slowly.")
Alex: "Grateful"

You could say things are ramping up here.

No one on the team got a very good sleep last night. Not too surprising; it's been a while since any of us have slept outdoors - and pretty much never on the side of a mountain!

]]> The wake-up regimen helped, though. Our guides greeted us at our tent with tea and hot water for a quick wash before breakfast. We got moving by 8 a.m., and the morning climb was quite a steady ascent up to the 'Second Cave,' which rings in above 11,000 ft.

After lunch, we left the main trail and struck out across the moorland on a smaller path, offering us a view of the jagged Mawenzi in the distance, which is a subsidiary peak on Kilimanjaro, but still Africa's third-largest at 16,830 ft.

The day's trek was on super-rocky ground and was crazy-steep. It got so steep at one point that the porters actually carried me for over an hour atop the chair-carrier. (I joked about it in my pre-climb blog post but there was no other option.) For the most part, though, I was walking and climbing on my hands. That was definitely pole pole.

Along with the increasingly rocky and barren terrain, the altitude really began to hit us during the day - a few of us were short of breath and felt a little queasy. (No need to bust out the Gamow Bag - that's only for real emergencies!) We did split into two groups for a portion of today's hike, which was really the lowlight of the day for me. Didn't feel right not progressing as a team.

The payoff of the day would soon arrive though. As we ascended so steeply, we were soon under a veil of clouds. And as we emerged above the clouds we were awed by the incredible views of Kibo and its ice fields.

I began to think of all the people who deserved to see this spectacular vista: from my heroes, like Rick Hansen, to old friends like our Free The Children co-worker Matt Tod (who joked about injuring David at the farewell party so he could replace him on the team), to the people I've been lucky enough to inspire, like my video-posting buddies, Cata and Barbie.

Our camp at the end of today's climb is like a tent city. (David's photo offers just a glimpse.) It's populated by climbers, most of them tired, all of them with something to prove. Just like us, except we've got to be the only ones fortunate enough to have such amazing support. When I close my eyes, you're all here, and I can imagine the entire mountain dotted with tent cities of friends.

Whether or not you someday see the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro from this height, maybe it's O.K. that I'm your eyes for one day. After all, you've got my heart forever.

This isn't about me. It's about we.
]]> Day One: The Climb Begins tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.193 2012-06-13T20:50:57Z 2012-06-15T15:02:51Z

Spencer West

Naro Moru gate to Simba camp: 6,552 ft. to 8,645 ft.

Hike duration: 5 hours

Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius

Word that captures the day for:

Spencer: "Inspired"

David: "Moved"

Alex: "Happy"

What a first day!

The climb began in the little wooden village of Naro Moru, on a small path that winds through some dense forest. It's home to a full range of wildlife, including the cool Kilimanjaro black-and-white Colobus monkey. Not that we noticed animals too much. We encountered other climbing groups along the trail; but we aren't interacting too much - our team is too focused on the job at hand.

]]> For me, that couldn't be more accurate: I spent more time walking on my hands than we'd anticipated. In fact, I spent about 80 percent of the time walking and 20 percent in my wheelchair on today's hike. And Paul, our guide, was definitely right: my tendency to take longer strides was actually tiring me quicker. Taking shorter strides was less strenuous and enabled me to move more efficiently.

No one said this was going to be easy. And one thing that's keeping me focused is the reason for the climb. After all, I'm enduring some sustained physical hardship here. But I came here by choice. That fact really drives home the idea that many people in this part of the world are truly suffering, but they have zero choice in the matter.

I'm reminded of my last trip to Africa, where I saw the effects of last year's drought. A drought that has left more than nine million people in need of emergency assistance in the region, even today.

Some of the young Kenyans impacted are my friends - people I've played with and worked alongside. They helped me find my path in life. Now I'm here on this rugged path, redefining my possible for them.

My goal is to raise $750,000 to bring clean water programming to drought-affected communities and people in East Africa who have come to mean so much to me.

Knowing that we can, in some way, improve their odds for a better life not only drives me, David and Alex on, it elevates us like nothing else could. Sure, I'm stumbling on loose rocks now but they'll just be a memory in a few weeks time. Imagine if we could reduce the devastating effects of drought to just a memory?

The forest began to thin out toward the end of the five-hour hike and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland, with decent views over the Kenyan plains. Tomorrow we'll be experiencing some alpine terrain and a sharp rise in altitude.

We can now see where we are going more clearly. In more ways than one.

]]> Base Camp tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.202 2012-06-12T20:21:48Z 2012-06-14T15:35:05Z

Here we are at the base of our great challenge: Mount Kilimanjaro.At base camp we had the opportunity to meet the rest of our team - a first-rate staff of guides and porters from the Chagga tribe, which calls...

Spencer West

Here we are at the base of our great challenge: Mount Kilimanjaro.

At base camp we had the opportunity to meet the rest of our team - a first-rate staff of guides and porters from the Chagga tribe, which calls the base of the mountain home. These guys are for real, having done countless trips between them.

And, most importantly, we met up with Paul DeAngelis, the founder, director and head guide of Mountain Climbing Adventures. He's our head guide. Paul has guided and climbed all over the world. You don't want problems at 19,000 feet. But if you get them, then you want the dude who has experienced it all and trained in all elements of climbing, including wilderness medical procedure. That's Paul.

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And Kilimanjaro, while non-technical in terms of mountain climbing, is extremely high (19,340 feet) and must be approached with extreme caution. Although no technical climbing skills are required, this is the mother of all hikes! It's on a rough trail with some cross-country trekking along the way. Since the primary concern for climbers is the health risk from the high altitude, guides always bring a Gamow (hyperbaric) Bag in case of altitude sickness, as well as a pulse oximeter to monitor each climber's acclimatization progress.

We know that being in the best possible shape is the single most important thing we can bring to this climb. The better our physical condition, the more likely we'll be able to perform well. (Dre, you're an amazing trainer - we know you're with us in spirit, buddy!)

We're going to be walking between 4 and 8 hours per day - and the toughest part is, of course, summit day. But let's not think about that yet. For now it's all about pacing ourselves and taking it slow.

One thing that we're anxious to know is how effectively my wheelchair will traverse the terrain. After all, we're first hiking through a range of ecosystems - like moors and dense rainforests - only to encounter a giant, snow-covered volcanic crater. If I'm going to be walking on my hands for any great amount of time, fatigue could become a significant factor. Paul pointed out that I should consciously try to take relatively shorter "strides" as I walk along on my hands. We'll see if that works.

Only Day One of the climb will tell. And that, my friends and supporters, comes at sun up.

]]> Greetings from Tanzania tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.200 2012-06-11T18:27:07Z 2012-06-11T20:15:42Z

Spencer West

We are finally here. It's kinda hard to believe, that after so much anticipation, preparation and all the incredible attention we've managed to generate for the Redefine Possible campaign, we're finally going to start climbing tomorrow.

In the meantime we're in Moshi, the Tanzanian municipality, which is situated on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro.

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The one piece of advice we keep hearing, whether it's here or back in North America, is to take the climb slowly. It's somehow more powerful to hear it over here, because the Swahili term for "slow" is pole pole.

We did one very important errand today, too. We visited a local blacksmith and got them to construct a special metal contraption that will enable David and Alex to carry my wheelchair on their shoulders whenever I'm walking on my hands. It looks a little cumbersome, but we are assured it'll be the most effective way to transport it while climbing. (If only I could sit on it while they carry it!)

We're really pumped that we're here - no travel hiccups or lost equipment. We've all got a good sleep, which is really important. We'll need to be rested for what we're about to encounter.

Oddly, we couldn't see the mountain today because it was so grey and overcast. But it's right there, looming over the city. I can feel it.

And tomorrow we'll be on it. Making Redefine Possible really happen. At last. We're so close...it's hard to take this pole pole.
]]> Gearing Up tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.199 2012-06-10T14:05:43Z 2012-07-19T20:06:57Z

Spencer West

One of the last and most important things on the checklist before we fly to Africa is also the most fundamental: getting equipped! Having the appropriate sleeping bags, outer wear, footwear (for some of us!) and backpacks are obviously huge considerations for the climb. What we use could make all the difference between success and...that other "F" word. ]]> Mountain Equipment Co-op, who were kind enough to not only make some in-kind donations of gear, but also guide us to the equipment best-suited to the Kilimanjaro climb. Even with all the training, motivation and preparation, the Redefine Possible team couldn't possibly do much redefining without these guys.

The main challenge - other than curbing David's clowning around at the busy downtown MEC location - was selecting gear that would help us traverse through two distinct climates. After all, it's gonna be like hiking from the heart of summer straight into the dead of winter. (Why must they call it "dead" anyway?) And all the while, staying within a super-tight budget.

From hiking to sleeping gear, we're told it's going to seem like we're starting out with way too much stuff. But by the time we get up higher, we'll think we didn't bring enough. For sleeping bags, the trick is getting something thick enough for warmth, and compact enough to carry. We each chose MEC's Phoenix Hybrid, which offers adequate comfort for temperatures as low as minus 12 degree Celsius. (I picked yellow first, then David and Alex copied.)

Speaking of not freezing, we'll be rocking plenty of layers, including soft- and hard-shell jackets. They'll pick my colour there, too.

One major consideration is the gear that makes contact with the ground as we climb. While for David and Alex this means choosing hiking boots that are light yet incredibly durable, I have to consider that walking on my hands for an intense and sustained period of time will totally trash any hand-wear out there - gloves just aren't made for walkin'. So I'm bringing several pairs of Goretex gloves for the first portion of the climb, and snow gloves for the higher altitudes. And believe it not, as Sean McSweeney, the uber-knowledgeable MEC store manager, points out, I need to bring duct tape! It will help keep the gloves together once the stitching starts to stretch. (Somewhere, Red Green is holding out for a belly-buck.)

Now to put this gear to good use! Next time you hear from me will be from base camp.
]]> The perfect send-off tag:www.freethechildren.com,2012:/redefinepossible//7.201 2012-06-09T22:44:05Z 2012-07-19T20:07:21Z

Spencer West

I almost had to check my invitation again to see if this was really happening.

Sure enough, the Redefine Possible team was actually being hosted by the Honourable David Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Her Honour, Ruth Ann Onley, at the Lieutenant's Suite at Queen's Park. It was a regal dinner in such distinguished surroundings, and incredibly humbling to share with some of my closest friends and champions.

A huge thank you again to David Aisenstat and The Keg Steakhouse & Bar for believing in me and for truly making this climb possible. Thanks to Chris and Tania Carnegie, Marc Kielburger and Roxanne Joyal for their years of unyielding support. And of course, special thanks to His and Her Honour for hosting such a heart-warming dinner and providing what was a truly perfect (and almost unbelievable) send-off for the team.

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