Conquering Alzheimer's & Parkinson's One Mountain at a Time.

10 Mountains 10 Years Movie Trailer !

2010-04-08T01:04:00.002-04:00

Ciao!

It's been a long time coming, but finally the 10 mountains 10 Years movie trailer is out and on the Internet!

The production crew really knocked it out of the park! It was a testament to what a small group of Regular people can do to change the world around them.

I also want to say thank u, thank u, thank u to Leeza Gibbons, Anne Hathaway, "The BOSS" and all the great musicians who wrote music for the film.

As well I'd like to thank my friend Craig Gordon for the poster graphics he created, and don't let me forget the Miracle Sisters & Saint Jen the Boxer for making it all happen and finding the right heart strings to pull!

Check out the link to the video on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veagq7nhNBQ

World up,
Enzo

Link to check out the Official Press Kit for the 10 Mountains 10 Years Doc

2010-02-07T14:15:00.004-05:00

Click here to visit the production company website and see the:
Official Press Kit for 10 Mountains 10 Years movie,
a documentary feature film

Above the Clouds

2009-10-06T09:06:00.000-04:00

Up....until the clouds envelope you inside of them
Catching your breathe, wiping the sweat, nearing the top..

A newness comes over you
Courage, strength redefined
Love grows by leaps and bounds

Yesterday you were high; today you're higher
So high you can reach up and touch the hand that gave you life

Find clarity
Find peace
Redefine it all

Turn and look down for a second and know..... what lies ahead is faith and hope in it all in the journey, the dream, the vision of one

"Together is ONE" is what creates victory, unity, love at the highest of Summits.

Stop for a second and breathe it all in

Cry because it's energizing
Own it.......

World Up!
The Regulars
A Trail Called Hope IV - Mt. Kilimanjaro

The Roof of Africa

2009-07-26T19:25:00.002-04:00

The Roof of Africa

There comes a time in your life when really important decisions must be made. Some may be life altering or some may be at the moment; or some just may be life threatening. It is clear in my mind that the decision I made was all of the above. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro has changed who I am, how I think and what I will do from now on. The day we landed in Africa I felt it. The day I stepped foot on the top of Kili I embraced it. My children are the most important to me and my decision on the “Roof” was made because of them. Just 200 feet from the highest point on the roof I had to turn back. I had reached the summit the day we landed in Africa. I knew I would do it. It ran through my body. I felt the feeling inside already. But 200 feet away from Uhuru and I couldn’t go on. My chest was on fire, I could hardly walk or talk, but I kept pushing myself in hopes I could ascend one more time. I was suffering from high altitude sickness. My fingernails were turning purple, my chest was pounding. Heck, goory details need not be discussed. I broke down in tears knowing I would not experience what my other teammates did. I had jobs to do on Uhuru. Da’ Coat for Judy, the bracelet I wore in memory of Bill, Ken’s tshirt from Focus on a Cure. I was letting all of them down. But a flash came before my eyes and it was that of my boys. I had reached my summit. For them I let go of all the feelings going on in my head of letting other’s down.

I cried so hard at this particular moment. I cried because I had done it. I cried because I missed my dear friend Bill. I cried because I didn’t want to leave my two teammates that held me up and kept me warm and encouraged me the entire climb. Jay said I inspired him. Luc thought I was brave and strong to have gone the distance. These two mean the world to me. We followed each others footsteps. We took breaks together. We encouraged one another. I can’t say enough about them. When I had to desend I asked them to do me some favors. One - place the coat on Uhuru; Two - place Ken’s tshirt on Uhuru; Three - leave Bill’s bracelet in his memory on Uhuru; Four - take pictures. In my pack was was the coat and the tshirt. They took my pack and Godsend, the guide who would lead Luc and Jay to Uhuru, took the bracelet off of my wrist. A moment in time that I will cherish. A moment that has changed me.

Luc filmed me at this particular moment. He looked out for me for five days. He was “Cardio” man. My nickname for him. He kept our heart rate in check. We had a good pace each day we climbed. He let me take off at times when my adrenalin kicked in and would be there when I would slow down. I never met Luc before Africa but the minute we shook hands and said hello for the first time an immediate connection was made. Little did I know then that he would be with me all the way. But destiny has its way and who am I to mess with that.

The day Jay told me I inspired him to come on this climb I was really honored by his words. He also told me I kept him focused as we climbed to the roof. A simple statement I made to him to use his pole then take two steps, concentrate on the pole, said got him to the top. How do you get to this point in your life when other’s look up to you? How do you become someone’s inspiration? How do you get someone to focus so they make it to the top of a mountain? I don’t know these answers. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around any of it. But it has changed me. Not the way I look, or dress, just the way I feel inside. I’m not sure it’s something I can explain or even if I did if it would make sense to other’s. All I know is that the journey to find cures has defined me and has driven me to make this a reality. I follow Enzo and my teammates as we seek to end these dreaded diseases. As we fight to be noticed and heard. As we pathe the way for the future to be clear for others. For my children, for everyone’s children. For they are our future.

I still have a lot of work to do for them and hope for a better future for them. They are every reason to keep moving ahead, to keep climbing up to the next summit, to keep seeking answers they have about why cures are not found yet. And for those in my life who fight this fight in any way shape or form everyday. There are more events to plan, more money to raise for all of you.

The Roof of Africa was beautiful. The feeling was surreal. I did it and nobody will take that from me. In everyone’s honor and everyone’s memory I did it. I kissed my mom and dad as I stood above the clouds. I waved to Bill because I just knew and felt his presence there. I said my good-bye’s to Luc and Jay and wished them luck and said that I would see them at camp. Good Luck, my guide, took my hand and we turned around and he led me back down.
A Trail Called Hope Iv - Mt. Kilimanjaro

Another One Down
World Up,
Strong Feather Eileen

And a special thank you to all of my teammates for making this possible for me as you all played a part in getting me to the top. Each one of you inspired me. I will never forget all the moments we shared in Africa. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Enzo Simone - Captain and visionary
Jennifer Yee - Producer of 10 Mountain 10 Years documentary
Jaymes Brevard
Luc Thoelen
Bill Glover
Nadyne Perlin
Lori Pulley Saviers
Eric Buzzetto
Tom Sabourin
Benny Aerts

From the Heart.......

2009-06-17T11:55:00.001-04:00

I have a little down time right now. All the babies are sleeping and I felt the need to write. I have just 11 days before I leave for Africa. As you all know I belong to the Regulars and we are a group of altruistic individuals who have signed up with Enzo and his project, 10 mountains 10 years, to draw awareness and raise money to help eradicate Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. With that said.....this is from my heart.......

I have been deeply affected by so many individuals this past year as I have been preparing for Kili. One especially is my dearest and sweetest friend Mary "Cherokee" Rose. She fights the toughest battle I know and still smiles and encourages everyone.My soul sister, the one who pushes me and drives me the hardest. Our dear friend Bill Berndt who lost his battle this past March who will be remembered forever for his kindness and his every chance opportunity to make you laugh. Forever in my heart. Ken Glowienke, a true role model, friend, advocate, loving husband. The day we met Ken it changed my life. I hope you know that. My dearest friend in this fight, Jim Brenner. As I sat the other night at Black Belt Camp and listened to his inspiring speech about making a difference and the ever loving and kind words he spoke about me I want to say you are my reasons I began all of this. I have always said to you for you I climb this mountain and for you I will be the one carrying your spirit with me. That "indomitable" spirit we talk so much of in Tang Soo Do. He epitomizes this in our art. He encourages and inspires everyone he comes in contact with. I was blessed the day we met and for you I continue down any path I can to help you win this battle. Judy, what can I say, I have met another who encourages the heck out of me and has undying faith and confidence that we will win. In10City to the max. I know I could make a long list of people. You all mean the world to me and not a day goes by that I am not thinking of all of you, praying for all of you and pushing the envelope for all of you.

My boys, all of my family, Sandra, Denise, Mark, Ideliza, Kaz, Rob, Mary, Maggie, Sue, Barbara, Charley, Ann, Eileen, Sylvia, Sherry, my teammates. A special thanks to my committee members who have made my fundraiser a reality....Karen, Kathy, Kathryn, Hal, Karen and Glen. Please don't be offended if I didn't mention your name. Know you are all here with me and I will bring you all with me to Africa.

Enzo and Jen.....two of the most important people in my life. Without you my confidence, drive, passion may not have ever reached the heights it is reaching.

There is nothing in life we can not do if we put our minds to it, our sights on it, and our passion and drive into it. "Together is ONE"

Please send out all of your prayers to The Regulars as we head out June 28th to the roof of Africa on our Trail Called Hope IV - Mt. Kilimananjaro.

World Up,
Strong Feather Eileen

http://www.theRegulars.org

Testing Spot - Driving - Spot

2009-06-13T00:17:00.001-04:00

Hey, check this out. I'm just testing this little teacking device called SPOT. We'll be using it on our climb of Kilimanjaro, so you can track where we are each day. The waypoints update themselves every 10 minutes, so you can follow us all the way to the top.

Now we really can do this together!

All we have to do now is hope there is enough Satellite reception & communication to find us while we're there. BTW I know this looks a little jagged but that's because while driving, in 10 minutes I've driven quite a distance. On the mountain it will look like a more fluid line given the fact that we're not covering as much distance each 10 minutes.

World up,
Enzo

Testing Spot - Driving - Spot

Shared via AddThis

In10City - Meeting Judy Good Hensley

2009-06-11T08:36:00.001-04:00

In10City - Judy Good Hensley

I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful woman and spending three days with her and her beautiful family. My son David and I flew to Tennessee to meet Judy Good Hensley. She has Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. She also has the infamous "Da' Coat". When we arrived in the airport she called me and said she was in the observatory deck. My son and I exited our plane and looked up at the deck and low and behold there was Judy waving to us. David at first didn’t see her until I said look for the coat. Oh yeah! When we strolled into the baggage, Judy jumped out literally to greet us and snap our picture. I like this girl. This would be the first of hundreds of pictures the two of us would take. I want to jump ahead here to Sunday night. Judy and I sat for many hours late Sunday sharing, reading each others stories, crying, learning about one another. Being with her for three days I observed this remarkable lady. Moving through her day with Parkinson’s. Never afraid to do anything. Plowing through it all. All the while doting on me and David. She always made us feel at home with her husband and daughter. Planning our days, getting us there. I was exhausted at the end of each day. But the one thing that stands out in my mind is the love she has for everyone and everything. Right down to the tiniest butterfly she tried to capture through the lens of her camera. Her beauty for life pours over into her beautiful daughter Carol, who at only sixteen years old, is well beyond her years. Her husband Bill with his loving support and endless stories that I enjoyed immensely of his faith, his beliefs, his cross country biking. What a wonderful package these three are. They each are the glue that holds each other together.

Judy shared her disease with me. From the day she was diagnosed to the progression, the medications, explaining the medications, the procedures, the adjustments, dyskenisia, tremors. Her faith, her taking care and worrying about her mother. Her darker moments but then her moments of awakening because of the strength she has. How can you not be inspired? She wanted to know about me, my reasons for joining the Regulars, my mom, my boys, karate, my writing. I shared with her the chapter about my mom. She cried. This by far is the chapter in my life that defines me. She learned a lot about me and who I am today based on this. She understood the meaning of my nickname “Strong Feather”.

Intensity: Extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling.
Judy Hensley should be under this word.
In10City: Her “E” name as the newest member of The Regulars.

It fit’s the woman who leads by example, who pushes up mountains of challenges, who never stops believing in herself and most importantly others. She is truly an inspiration on so many levels. To have been given the opportunity to meet her and speak at one of her support meetings is something I will never forget. I met wonderful people who are part of her life on this trip. A special thanks to Mayor Jane Myron and to Peggy Willocks for the kind words they spoke about me at the meeting. For allowing me to speak and to say they are the ones who inspire and I am the one who wants all of there hopes and dreams of finding a cure to come true. It was very a very surreal moment to be the one honored. I applaud everyone who deals with Parkinson’s Disease on an hour by hour basis. Who pushes others to become involved. Who creates foundations, websites for support, teams, fundraisers. I bring home with me a better understanding, a profound drive to support more and to draw more awareness. And of course a new friend, Judy Good Hensley. We stand “Together as ONE”. Oh yeah! I now have “Da Coat” and to the roof of Africa it’s going……..

World Up,
Strong Feather Eileen

Angel & the Devil

2009-06-10T13:16:00.003-04:00

Today is Tuesday June 9th. 2009.

My wife is upstairs watching the television, and I’m down stairs in my war room listening to J.S. Bach’s “Siciliano from Violin Sonata 1", and eating a bowl of baked beans and a piece of chicken sausage for dinner. The broccoli burned while we were arguing about our current financial situation, so needless to say dinner was a little sparse tonight. Now the house smells of blackened broccoli. Yummy! Ah the glamorous lifestyle of the un-rich & un-famous suits me doesn’t it? The light coming from behind me is dim. The light bulb doesn’t really cast much light across the room but I’m used to it now. Actually I’m sort of a vamp, and I’m more comfortable typing in a dark room with just the computer screen for light. It keeps me focused on what needs to be done. In the end I suppose it’s good having everything off but the computer, being as it saves us a little money in these positively evil economic times.

Earlier today I called in my Unemployment Insurance Claim. For as much as I completely appreciate a national system which has such a fall back position built into it for it’s people, I’ve never been a fan of being a recipient of it’s benefits. I’d much rather be working. My brother Dan and I are just starting to put an engineering and architecture firm of our own together, but paying jobs are still just beyond the horizon. The ship has it’s sails up, and we’re just trying to catch enough wind to blow us toward the rising sun and better days. As my team mate Bill Glover says, “From adversity, prosperity is born.” I believe it.

I’ve been out of work since December along with so many other Americans. I remember it was just about a week after a little office birthday celebration for me. There were no hard feelings though, in being let go. Drastic measures were needed to keep the firm afloat at a time like this, and we all knew our luck could run out on any given Friday if the economy didn’t improve.

Lucky for my wife and I that at least one person in the family is bringing in a paycheck to help us get by. Economic recessions like this don’t come around very often. In the past, the architecture firms I’ve worked for have been specialized in the design of high-end homes, and the clients which normally make up this demographic could bat their lashes at hard times. You’ve got to admire them though. Their houses are absolutely beautiful, and it’s easy to see why from our perspective, they work really hard for these luxuries. In times of economic uncertainty it seemed as though they had built up an insulation to loss. Every other Joe in the country might be feeling the squeeze imposed by the times, but I always felt as if they were never quite caught up in that grip. One day if would be nice to feel a certain sense of economic security of our own. Our clients had always seemed to steam roll right over the bumps in the road which threw the rest of us for a loop or into a tail spin. Essentially what I mean to say is that in the past, even in bad times, if I was designing high-end homes in a well known and respected architecture firm, then I was always pretty secure in at least maintaining a job, but this recession was different. Everyone top to bottom, rich and poor seemed to have stopped on a dime, then were all forced to jump on it to see who would get it first.

Things are hard now, and I’d have to say that on the inside I feel a bit torn. Questions, feelings, uncertainties, they’re all different bends, and turns on this roller coaster of life.

I’m only human, and I don’t always know the “best” thing to do in times like these. Although, in the spirit of that humanity I do usually have a gut feeling about what is the “right” thing to do from a much larger perspective. My eyes were always better at seeing issues from a global perspective. But more often than not, what I feel is the “right” thing to do clashes dramatically with (just about) all the friends and family looking in at my situation. Although they all have different opinions about my life, their technique in dealing with me seems pretty consistent. They tend to have more of a slash, burn, or break his will until he can’t carry on attitude toward my charity passions. Doing something good is only good if it has no risk involved. Many have no problem in letting me know how selfish I am, and that the longer I persist in my efforts to raise awareness through my 10 Mountains - 10 Years project, the farther I would slide from favor in their eyes.

So be it. Let me slide.

Yes, I know it’s sort of sad. You’d think that the ones closest to me, who could see first hand the devastation of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease would be my strongest supporters, but most are not. Maybe they’re too close to me as the subject. Maybe I’m too much like them to make a difference. Maybe they don’t feel they could make an impression on the world, so why would I be able to do it. Maybe they’re honestly trying to save me from myself, or maybe they’re just trying to stop me from do anything they don’t have the confidence in doing themselves? I don’t’ have the answers, I can only guess.

So I reflect on the situation my wife and I are in, and together (though in parallel) we think about how we can cut down on spending so that we can ride this recession out to better days. It could be said that my wife’s philosophy is more in league with my family and friends when it comes to supporting my causes and passions. So in the process of wondering how we could begin cutting expenses, my wheels might be spinning but she’s already at the finish line holding a “Wanted Dead or Alive” poster with a Double-X and a Heart on it.
But in all seriousness, how can I blame her? I’m haven’t had a job or a real income other than unemployment checks for 6 months.

I smell the smoke, and I know the fire is in there somewhere, but my guess is it’s not just the broccoli burning in the kitchen. I know what she’s thinking. The 10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure) project has got to go. The world can take care of it’s own problems for a while. I should just sit tight, take care of my own, and be content to make a simple small donation to the Alzheimer’s Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation this year. In everyone’s mind but my own I should be raising the white flag of surrender, handing over my sword and calling it an end to my once great charity epic.

One of the things which I think is so special about our expeditions is the same thing which is making it so hard on us now. All our climbs are run out of our own pockets at our own expense. It’s quite a lesson for us all to know that nothing good in life comes for free, and this is a perfect example of it. When a person wants to join “the Regulars” it’s done with the understanding that they need to pay their own way for everything, and never to expect help or hand outs from anyone to accomplish the goals of the team. We all pay our own way so that 100% of all donations coming in from contributors can go directly to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease research. The charities call for our most sincere and altruistic efforts and that’s exactly what they get. Being one of “the Regulars” is a pretty big sacrifice to ask of people during prosperous times, but in a recession it’s a monumental sacrifice, and I extend my gratitude to all my team mates for standing along side me to try their best no matter how hard it gets.

So now imagine this. I know it’s a little Animal House-esque, but the visual helps.
I turn to the left and the devil on one shoulder says, “Just quit it, and think about yourself. Stay home. Relax. Watch TV. Sip some wine. Smell the roses. Go have a beer and grow yourself a nice gut and don’t let these things bother you. You’re not a martyr. Get your head on straight and be serious for a change. You’re no one special. You’re just a regular guy. No one would care about you if you were the one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Parkinson’s Disease.”

I stop to think, maybe this little devil’s right. Maybe no one would give a damn about me if I was the one with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. Maybe someday I am destined to become a shell of what I am now and not a soul would care.

Then I turn to the right and the angel on the other shoulder says: “How could you ever quit this project??? No matter how hard it is, you don’t quit anything...ever! You might be a Simone, but never quitting runs back in your Chadwick bloodline for more than a 1,400 years. Get your game face on you’ve got things to do rough boy.”

“Remember when you were six years old and you wanted to become a musician, then low and behold one day you grew up to hear your own music on the radio? You wanted it and you did it.”

“Remember when you were in kindergarten and loved to collect stones and wanted to become a geologist, and then you went to work for the US Geological Survey. You wanted it and you did it.”

“Remember when you were an elementary school student and you wanted to become an architect? Then, you went on to college and graduated with a degree in architecture. Well, ...it seems to me” the angel whispered, “although your curse may be that all things worthy of pursuit may feel as though they take you a thousand years to accomplish, you have done everything you said you would do...granted you were passionate to do them.”

“Which brings me to my final point”, said this little angel.
“Remember when you were young, and anything is possible? Well I shouldn’t have to remind you that the secret to life is that everything has always been possible. Sometimes people stand in your way, and other times you stand in your own way, but you always get around these obstacles. We both know that you’ll never give up on this 10 mountain epic until you’re done, until you’re dead or until the cures have been found. This is what you were born to do.”

It all brings me back to now. Sitting in a dark room with the smell of burnt broccoli in the air, with no money, no job, and running out of options on how to keep this charity project alive.

Today, tomorrow, this year, the next 7 years. How do I navigate through an ocean of time which stands as still as the Sargasso Sea? I suppose at least part of the answer is in the lessons a climber would learn in the over world.

No one will ever carry you up a mountain.

Those without the will, will never find the way.

Patience is not only a virtue it’s a necessity.

Keep moving and don’t stop.

Never look at the whole mountain, it may overwhelm and turn you to stone.

And lastly, all mountains real or metaphorical, great or small, simple or complex can only be climbed one way. One step at a time.

The lessons learned on the mountains will guide me without a doubt. I need to roll with the punches when they land on me. I need to stay waxed, so that the off color comments of those around me who don’t support my efforts will roll off like water. I need to be focused and true to my cause, and I can never give up.

The financial times are hard and although we may not share the same ideas for what is the right way or best way to get through this, together with my wife I’m sure we’ll find a way.
As for support from most of my family and friends, I can always hope for it. But until that ship comes in I’ll count on motivating myself.

People may ask, will I give up on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure) project?
It’s no doubt, that the answer to this always in constant battle between my heart and my mind, but the last time I looked the flag of “the Regulars” had a heart on it. There was a time before I was born when my very existence could have been in question, but in my mothers mind, even though I still had not taken my first breath and I had no name to speak of, there was never any doubt that she would “never” give up on me. Why would I give up on her?

So the people may ask again, and again, and again, will I give up on this epic?
I may be broke, and I may be hanging by my last thread, but I’m not done, there is still no cure, and I’m still breathing.

World up,
Enzo

2009-06-08T14:39:00.001-04:00

Well now isn't this turning out to be a strange yet cool day on the internet. Here's another quick 2 links for you.

"The Regulars" 10 mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure) project is also in the brand new Team Fox Magazine right next to Ryan Reynolds. And as it that wasn't enough excitement in one magaxine...our new Team Tom Saborin is quoted in there too from his days as a marathon runner for Team Fox. (You can find Tom right here on my Facebook Friends list). Stop by & say hi to him.

Here's the link to the magazine in PDF format:
http://www.teamfox.org/atf/cf/%7Ba34b4a45-7f40-418e-b2f2-a4fb38e4f769%7D/MJ_FOX_MAG_HI_RES_WEB.PDF

Also, here's a link to the Team Fox video with "the Regs":
http://www.teamfox.org/site/c.nrLXJ0PFKuG/b.4815173/k.9341/Team_Fox_Video.htm

Team Fox is absolutley for anyone and everyone who wants to do whatever they can to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson's Disease research. Contact them and form your own Team Fox Team Event.

World up,
Enzo

Leeza's Place

2009-06-08T13:32:00.002-04:00

Hey there everyone,

As you all know this years team is working to help the Alzheimer's Association, Michael J. Fox Foundation (Team Fox), Leeza Gibbon's Memory Foundation & Focus on a Cure to raise awareness to conquer Alzheimer's Disease & Parkinson's Disease.

We're all certainly doing our part to shed light on these diseases, and we're all doing it in different & unique ways.

Leeza's Place has been very kind to become a part of the 10 Mountains - 10 Years story. And Leeza is even going to be filming the introduction to the 10 Mountains 10 Years film. We're all so excited to finally see the first chapter of this epic out in theaters with you all.

Anyway this is just a quick note to say check out Leeza's website and her page for "the Regulars"!

Here's the link:
http://leezasplace.org/climbers.html

World up,
Enzo

Team Fox...Together is ONE

2009-06-02T23:39:00.004-04:00

To all my fellow Team Fox members, I have an idea for you.

What a tangled but beautiful web we seem to weave. We never know where we will eventually meet our comrades in arms (so to speak), or who will stick together in this web we call life.

With that being said, I’d like to talk about raising awareness and funds to find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but not as individuals. I’d like to talk about looking at ourselves not as islands alone in the world, but as continents of people united by a common cause to conquer Parkinson’s Disease. Together we can do this, but the key word is “Together”.

Team Fox team mates don’t always have to stand alone in their efforts to conquer Parkinson’s Disease. Now, maybe it’s just the way I’ve been brought up having a Sicilian family background which is hugely based on solidarity, but I’ve always felt that there is more strength in numbers than there is in being alone.
As some of you might know, ever since I first started my little effort called “10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure)” in 2006, our team motto has always been “Together is ONE”.

I honestly believe that through time people have come to understand exactly what my team means when we say “Together is ONE”. They’ve been attracted to the light of comradery and altruistically becoming part of a collective team like Team Fox or part of my team the Regulars. Above and beyond all else, the goal is finding a cure, and if our efforts will be more successful by working together with others in our areas who have common goals, then we should find those people, form our teams, and conquer Parkinson's Disease together.

The idea I’d like to propose to all my fellow Team Fox members:

Look around you, find the other people in your own areas (maybe the same city, same county, or a tri-county area).

Design a big event as a team - which would normally be hard to orchestrate while acting individually.

There’s magic in the effort. There’s strength in the unity of people. There’s energy in exchanging ideas and turning them into reality. I honestly believe you’ll grow, learn, bond and find massive success in working together under our common cause. It’s also a great feeling to know that there is someone out there trying just like you, and it’s even nicer when you’re both trying together.

“Together is ONE”

I’ve been pretty lucky to have great people, real grass roots advocates just like you and I (just like “us”), look into my project and say maybe I can give you a hand with that. I can always use help. I would never consider myself a master at anything but knowing how to see through the eyes of a student. In all truth, my eyes are always wide open to the fantastically kind hearted enlightening people around me. These are my fellow expedition team mates in “the Regulars”, and they are also the fellow Team Fox team mates who freely exchange thoughts and ideas with me. These are the people around me who constantly show me that there are ways to improve on any idea I might have in ways I never considered. They have always shed light on a path which I once thought lead to something good and instead joined me on a journey down a road to something greater.

When I designed my project to span a decade I did so with just that in mind. I knew that if I designed a project as a one day, one shot, one time, one mountain effort I simply wouldn’t have the opportunity to attract like minded people to help with our battle against Parkinson’s Disease. So, the solution for me was to create a bigger, higher, harder, longer project. I would eventually draw the project out to become a decade long instead of a one time effort. Creating an annual event gave me the opportunity to learn from mistakes I would make, and would give me the time to learn and improve upon my effort through each coming year. As it turned out, the year following my first event people remembered my project, and were more willing to help me with it the second year round, and so on through time.

In the case of “the Regulars” and our 10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure) project, we’ve crossed paths with and attracted other Team Fox members through time. I believe you can do the same with the Team Fox members around you!

Team Fox is all around you.

I met Ken Glowienke (Focus on a Cure) on Myspace then officially met in person at a Team Fox MVP dinner in NY. Knowing how much effort Ken puts into his projects and reading about him on line made the meeting with him at the Team Fox dinner feel like meeting a rock star, because he was already larger than life in my eyes. Even though Ken lives in Illinois, we always supported each other’s efforts in any way we could across the miles via internet. Interestingly, now Ken has become a part of the 10 Mountains - 10 Years story through the feature film documentary by Back Light Productions. Ken very kindly volunteered to have his entire Deep Brain Stimulation surgery filmed as a portion of the movie. This includes his entire process before, during, and after the operation. He like "the Regulars" want to show people that they could and should be proactive about raising awareness for this cause and further they can be proactive in finding better treatments for themselves.

It’s also funny to note that Thomas Sabourin (T-Run) was at the same Team Fox Dinner during which I met Ken Glowienke although we didn’t meet that night. I came across Tom (who lives in Wisconsin) officially on MySpace and saw that he was involved in Team Fox. I could see from photos that he was in great condition and that he had a background in mountaineering also, so I asked him if he would like to join up with the Regulars. Flash forward a year or so to now and he’s getting ready to fly to Africa to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with us. I still haven't met him personally but he got a chance to meet my team mate Eric Buzzetto (Gladiator) at the Team Fox MVP dinner this year, and another team mate named Eileen Colon at the Parkinson’s Unity Walk in Central Park.

Nadyne Perlin who is from New Jersey (we call her Giant) ran in the New York City Marathon for Team Fox in 2007 found “the Regulars” on MySpace. She wrote me to say her dad struggles with Parkinson’s and she wants to continue her efforts with Team Fox by climbing Kilimanjaro with “the Regulars”.

Then I believe there is an outer circle to the advocates and volunteers for Team Fox which we seldom hear about but I see them out there in action all the time. These are the people who quite privately and out of the spotlight do everything possible to help and support those who are officially are Team Fox members. This describes New Jersey’s own Eileen (Strong Feather) Colon. She was a MySpace friend of Ken Glowienke and was extremely moved and inspired by his efforts to conquer Parkinson’s Disease. Through Ken she was introduced to me and we officially met at one of the Parkinson’s Unity Walks in NYC. To make her very dynamic and long story short Eileen has become really well known on both MySpace and Facebook as a person with lots of ideas, support, love and deep compassion for those struggling with Parkinson’s Disease. Eileen has even gone so far as to drive in one long shot epic to the exact middle of the United States (Kansas) from her home in New Jersey (a 26 hour trip each way) just to spend 2 hours visiting her friend Mary who suffers with Parkinsons' Disease. Also, this past May, she also traveled to speak in front of a Parkinson’s Disease caregivers meeting in Tennessee. Eileen is 52 years old, and even in the face of prior medical concerns about her heart she joined "the Regulars" to climb Mount Hood in 2008 and is now back for more with us to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in July 2009. Coincidentally, she has now officially become a Team Fox member.

Then there are the chance meetings which bring people together. Last year on Mount Hood while we were there climbing our third mountain in the series of ten charity mountain climbs. Our team was shattered and demoralized by bad weather on a first attempt on the mountain. In fact they closed the mountains down entirely due to positively evil weather and lightning storms. We had evacuated and gone back to Portland to wait it out, but tucked away high up on Mount Hood was Lori Saviers (from Ohio). She and a friend had found a spot to ride out the weather unnoticed by the park officials and unharmed by the weather. A few days later out of my team of 10 people, 3 went back to try climbing in a second attempt, and 2 made it to the summit of Mount Hood with our team flag, one of which was Troy Parker who personally suffers with Parkinson’s Disease. Troy and my team mate Brett were trying to take photos of themselves on the summit when across the narrow ridge walked Lori Saviers to help them. She grabbed their camera and snapped a few photos then listened to Troy describe how he had Parkinson’s Disease and had become part of “the Regulars” to help raise awareness for this disease. She was so taken by having seen Troy earlier struggling on the slopes below, then finding them on the summit only to hear that Troy climbed all that way with battling with Parkinson’s and was immediately inspired to join “the Regulars” on our next effort. Although Troy is not on the Kilimanjaro 2009 Team Lori Saviers (Premonition) has vowed take the message to the top of Kilimanjaro.

So, in a nut shell I thought it would be nice to let my fellow Team Fox team mates know that we have all been out there doing what we can on our own, but this year look around you and get to know the other Team Fox members living in your areas. Join forces and create big, beautiful, fantastic and inspiring events together. The world is your oyster, the ideas are endless. You don't have to climb mountains in order to take your message to the people, you just need to connect with them. In this army of change our battle is to conquer Parkinson's. Your weapons of choice just may be ideas & inspiration. Aim for the heart and let your arrows fly.

We can do this together. Believe in yourself. Believe in "us" and try.
The success in your results could be larger than life.

World up,
Enzo Simone
www.theRegulars.org
10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure).

The key Team Fox members in the above (some pages may be out of date):

Vincent Roland Simone (aka Enzo)
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nrLXJ0PFKuG&b=4815191&sid=ahJPJ0NGJhJMJXNzGmE

Ken Glowienke
http://www.focusonacure.org/

Thomas Sabourin:
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nrLXJ0PFKuG&b=4815191&sid=dtIOL3OPLgJPI8MQLsH

Eileen Colon:
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nrLXJ0PFKuG&b=4815191&sid=ivL0LhPYKlKVLeN3LxG

Lori Saviers:
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nrLXJ0PFKuG&b=4815191&sid=bfLPJUMxHgKFISOwElG

Nadyne Perlin:
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=nrLXJ0PFKuG&b=4815191&sid=gsJTJ1NEKcJTK8NJKpG

and
Eric Buzzetto

Here's a link to one of my quick home video music clips, to show you just how big our army of change can be if we all fight for these cures together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAzIsMElpnQ

Representing

2009-05-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

There are things in life you can control and then there are things in life you cannot control. The one thing I believe though is never to give up trying to solve what you cannot control. The one thing about an advocate is that is the mindset. You keep pushing to make things happen. You become the warrior in battle. You accept no defeat. You are the voice, the drive, the push to make things happen. I have been part of the Regular’s for three years. The day I was asked by Enzo was the day I committed myself to his project and to the meaning behind it. The physical part of the project is tough and raising awareness and money can be even tougher. I’ve placed myself amongst a group of extraordinary individuals in the Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s community. I began listening to all of there stories. Becoming very close with many of them. Just one year ago I met Jen, our producer of the documentary 10 mountains 10 years, which is based on The Regular’s. We instantly connected. Two like minds. Closest of friends. From the very beginning we were unsure of the impact the project would make on our lives. We would often say how hard it was to wrap our heads around it all. It still continues to be that way because it is something that is forever changing. New people come into our lives. New connections with others that support our team. New reasons to push the envelope in drawing more awareness and more funds.

It becomes apparent how important the role has become. I am sitting in a plane right now, with my son David to my left, heading to Tennessee to represent the Regular’s at a meeting with a Parkinson’s support group and a representative from the Alzheimer’s Association to meet me and to speak on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. When first approached the initial reaction was shock. Why me? But, why not me? The wonderful woman who invited me, Judy Hensley, wanted me to come and tell my story. I love to write and I would hope to believe one day I will publish my memoir’s of this experience with the Regular’s. But reality has hit and I journey out for the first time in my life to tell “my story”. I couldn’t be more honored to be doing this. I guess I shouldn’t speak too soon. I’m not even there yet and maybe I will forget everything and Judy will have to get up to sing and dance. But I honestly feel I have finally found my voice. I do want to tell my story and try to inspire others to help. If we all join together as one it is possible now to take control of those things in our life we feel we have no control over. I can begin or end this but one thing remains strong, “Together is One” and Enzo, our captain, penned it, believes it, and everyday works towards it. So I am Tennessee bound to represent. I keep my son David close, allowing him to see his mom in action and to go back and tell his brother’s and his dad about the experience. Others may think it’s brave of me to be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro this July but my brave side has to come out in Tennessee so I can stand and represent this group of altruistic individuals in a way that will touch many people’s hearts and lives. I may be telling my story but without the Regular’s there would be no story for me.

I want to take this time to thank Judy and her family for having my son and I in there home and for the Parkinson’s Support group and the Alzheimer’s Association for giving me this opportunity to speak on the behalf of the Regular’s. I would also like to thank Jane Byron, the mayor of there town, for taking the time to come out and speak and meet with me. And of course Enzo Simone, the captain of the Regular’s, the man behind the 10 mountains 10 years project, for believing in me. And to all of my teammates who I will be venturing out with on June 28th with to the roof of Africa. And to all of my family and friends who support and stand by me and understand the importance of what I am doing.

World Up,
Strong Feather aka Eileen

Hey Tennessee: If you happen to be in the neighborhood...

2009-05-12T23:51:00.000-04:00

The Northeast TN Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

invites you to a special PD support group meeting

to hear and meet..

Eileen “Strong Feather” Colon

of Hamilton, New Jersey,

who will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in July 2009

as a member of ‘The Regulars’

--a group of regular people committed to climbing a mountain a year to bring awareness to

Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases

Saturday, May 23 6:00-7:30 pm

MSHA Health Resources Annex Classroom,

Johnson City Mall

Eileen will discuss her involvement in a special group making a difference for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases by climbing mountains on a journey called ‘10 Mountains in 10 Years- A Quest for the Cure‘.

The Regulars (www.theRegulars.org) are an inspiring group of people with a mission of bringing together regular people to make a difference toward a cure for Parkinson‘s and Alzheimer‘s diseases!

Eileen Colon (nicknamed “Strong Feather” by her climbing mates) is a 51 year old wife and mother who has been involved in numerous charity awareness activities such as the MS walk and the Susan G. Koman 3 day Cancer walk. She is a second degree black belt in Teakwondo and climbed Mt. Hood and Mt. Washington last year in her first climbs with The Regulars. She blogs about her mission with the Regulars at www.10mountains10years.blogspot.com. She will climb with team leader Enzo Simone and 9 others up Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa in early July 2009.

Come hear this inspiring woman tell how people like me and you can make a difference! For more information call Judy Hensley 423-773-2244 or the Health Resources Center 423-915-5200.

The Coat to Go International and Up A Mountain

2009-05-06T10:45:00.002-04:00

This note is from Judy Good Hensley who will be handing me off Da' Coat when I go to visit here this month as I represent The Regulars in Tennessee. You can read more about Judy and her friend Sherri Woodbridge on www.parkinsonsjourney.com
Truly amazing!!!

Eileen

The Coat to Go International and Up A Mountain

Recently, I was reading about an incredible group of people called the Regulars http://theregulars.org/ who are climbing a mountain a year for 10 year to help raise awareness and funds for cures for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. I contacted one of the people on facebook who will be participating this year as the group climbs Mt. Kilimangaro in Africa in early July. And it didn’t take me long to ask my new mountain climbing facebook friend, Strong Feather (Eileen Colon) if she would do me the favor of carrying a piece of the coat along with an orange string and a Parkinson’s symbol pin with her up the mountain and take a picture with these items on the mountain with her. Upon hearing about ‘da coat, she asked how much it weighed and then told me to my great surprise that she wanted to take the coat with her if possible!!! So ‘da coat is going international. I mean, since I’ve been diagnosed with PD, I’ve been to several new places but none international (not yet, anyway) and ‘da coat is getting some travel time. It is my hope that ‘da coat is a symbol of how life with a chronic illness can still be a life that provides nuggets of happiness, in many different times, places, things, and people!

Judy Good Hensley

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Ticket Sale Information

2009-05-01T14:35:00.002-04:00

Tickets are now available to purchase for "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" Event that I will be hosting June 18th at the new Hamilton Manor in Hamilton, NJ. Click on the button to direct you to the desired charity to purchase a ticket. 100% of ticket proceeds will go to said charity. Thank you for your support of "The Regulars".

World Up,
Strong Feather aka Eileen

The Alzheimer's Association

Online event registration

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's

Online event registration

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Fundraising Event for The Regulars

2009-04-08T07:25:00.000-04:00

Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Fundraising Event for The Regulars

Hosted by:
Strong Feather - A Trail Called Hope IV

When:
Thursday, Jun 18, 2009 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM EDT

Description
Come out and meet "The Regulars" and help us raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's while enjoying live entertainment and a D.J. Take a chance on our Chinese Auction items along with our Silent Auction. Raffle tickets will also be sold and pulled every hour. There will be appetizers and one glass of wine with your admission price.

For ticket information and price please contact Kathryn Hartz at 609-570-0342.

We promise you an enjoyable evening as we all ban together to make a difference in the hundreds of lives affected by these two diseases. "Together is One" is our motto.

Visit us on the web at:

www.theRegulars.org

Also visit the Manor at

www.thehamiltonmanor.com

RSVP Guests:
How many?

The Hamilton Manor

30 Route 156
Trenton, NJ 08691

Loretta Hagen

2009-03-26T12:14:00.002-04:00

http://www.strausnews.com/west_milford_messenger/

Above is a link to the West Milford Messenger, hometown of Loretta Hagen. Her song "Sundown till Dawn" will be featured in our documentary "10 mountains 10 years". Check it out. She has a beautiful, powerful voice.

Eileen

Summing it Up

2009-03-24T08:57:00.001-04:00

What is it to advocate? It is a lot of dedication, time, belief in yourself, and an effort on your part to get the word out. Is it like a job? In some respect it is but without pay. However, we do reap benefits. The lives we touch, the respect we earn, the feeling we have inside when we know we are making a difference. It humbles you when you are in this position. You begin to look at a lot of things differently. For one, the future of my children, my grandsons, my nephews and nieces, weigh the heaviest as my reasons to be a part of what I am doing. But I advocate for everyone that I have had the pleasure of being in contact with because they are the ones that need the answers now, the cures now. Sometimes when we are asked to step out of our comfort zone we either become frightened or we make excuses. Our excuses may be valid and then again they may not be. But if there is just one thing I find to be important amongst the over all scheme of things is to help others and to get others to help.

I have come across skepticism, ridicule, harshness, cruelty, non-acceptance of what I am doing. I have cried over this, become stagnant over this, stopped my training over this, all because I have doubted myself. I have never doubted why. I have had to bite my tongue to allow for an outer shell to grow so I can block it all out and remain on task. Why am I telling you this? Because support from others is second to what I do. A kind word, a recognition of what I am doing, and even a hand in helping me. But I know not everyone wants to become involved. But I believe the important thing is to accept the person trying. To support there efforts to make a difference in the lives of others. The old saying goes “If you have nothing nice to say then don’t say anything at all”. Do I want others to turn a blind eye? No. I want others to educate themselves, to look inside of themselves and see that if more of us would step up to the plate then more money would be raised, more awareness would be drawn to these diseases. Our motto: “Together is One” holds truth with everyone’s project, everyone’s foundation, everyone’s advocacy work.

Altruism: a concern or regard for the needs of others, entirely without ulterior motive.
We are a group of altruistic individuals committed to a plan to help rid Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease from existence. We train, we fundraise, we climb. But mostly, we believe in the power of people and that with combined efforts from everyone we can make this a reality. If you haven’t already stopped by our website please do so at this time. Get to know what our captain, Enzo Simone, has dedicated his life to. What he believes when he says “Regular” people can make the difference. Click on the links. Get to know the team, read there stories, become part of our fundraising efforts, or just donate. We do this for all of you.

http://www.theRegulars.org

Also on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=71441937789&ref=mf

World Up!
Strong Feather Eileen

Shimmer

2009-02-25T17:45:00.005-05:00

Ciao guys,

Music is strange. For me it’s a lot like blood. It fuels me, then runs out, then fuels me again. I love it and I probably always will.

A lot like music another strange thing is life. Sometimes there are a thousand words to describe it, and sometimes it feels as though I had never learned to speak and I’m struck dumb. Today I can find only two words that have any real meaning to me.
Bitter Sweet.

There is a song you might know called “Shimmer” and ironically it’s from a band called “Fuel”. I've always loved the lyrics in this song even though a lot of it probably doesn’t mean much at all. It reminds me of a lot of things, my grand mothers house in England, my mother, me, and a thousand insignificant moments which one day came back to hit me like a ton of lead making making me fall in love with them like no other moment has ever compared.
The music in "Shimmer" rides with the lyrics along the same roller coaster we all do sometimes. Lite hearted and strolling, reflective, powerful, moody, a little up, a little down, a little sad, and yet somehow a little content in at least knowing something beautiful and light existed once but may not be so for long.

Anyway, for one reason or another I’m more sentimental and a little more emotional than usual today for reason’s it’s not time to explain to people. Today some of the lyrics and music in "Shimmer" connected with me and clipped my wings a bit in a strangely complicated way. It feels a lot like falling, but I'm still flying.

While I believe we each make much of our own destiny...
Destiny is - well - still destiny.

World

Here is a link to the video if you'd like to listen to it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0QMfK9hzgA

The Unexpected

2009-02-09T16:51:00.000-05:00

I am continually learning as I go along that so many unexpected things continue to happen. So many good things and so many inspiring things. I have faith in everyone because I have come so far in the last three years and it is in thanks to the strong group of family and friends that I have. Enzo has penned "Together Is One" and it has become one of the strongest statements made. The more people I meet along the way, the more people that are inspired by the group, allows for "Together Is One" to resonate.

We have been linked to many groups. We all share one common bond and that is to find cures.

http://parkinsonsjourney.com/we-need-to-get-behind-this-effortthe-regulars

I add this link to direct you over to a website that has placed us there to draw awareness to what we are doing. I have also had the pleasure of becoming friends with Judy Hensley who has asked me to do something for her while I climb up Kilimanjaro. Her words to me were so kind and so humbling. I never view myself as the one making anything happening here. I view myself as being handed a huge opportunity to help make a difference. And collectively with the group "The Regulars" I am able to do that.

Judy has a multicolored coat she purchased that she references to being like the ever changing progression of her Parkinson's Disease. It is viewed as different as she feels Parkinson's patients are when in the public eye. The coat has traveled to many events and has been worn by many an individual to display its uniqueness. Now she wants me to wear it at the top of Kili. With honor I will do this and with pride for the community of individuals I fight for. We will autograph the coat for her too and when I return home I will send it back to her. She is giving me a piece of the coat also that I will pin either on my hat or my pack so I have a remembrance of her coat.

I am forever blinking my eyes, shaking my head, and thanking God for it all. I could never have come this far without all of you. And you all know who you are. I never underestimate anyone or anything. Instead I look ahead and not back because I know good things are on the horizon for every one of us.

World Up!
Strong Feather aka Eileen

www.theRegulars.org

Currently reading:
Making the Climb: What a Novice Climber Learned About Life on Mount Kilimanjaro
By John C. Bowling

Insight into Mt. Kilimanjaro

2009-01-30T14:13:00.002-05:00

* As I continue my writings of this journey I am on, my one true committment is to find cures*

I must learn before I can teach. (Strong Feather)

Destiny will not take you anywhere you do not want to be led. Only you can make that call. (Strong Feather)

Preparing for my climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro is becoming a reality on many levels. One being the physical aspect and of course preparing one's mind. I question myself on all levels. Am I cut from the right cloth to be attempting this? Am I headed for disaster? Will I disappoint? Nobody can answer these questions for me. I am the only one who can and will make it happen. I am physically training. Focusing on my cardio, strethening my legs. All clear with every doctor I can think of. Series of tests taken, all good. One doctor stated "Your results are enviable". "Excellent, I'm rendered speechless". We chuckled about that because he is never rendered speechless. He was just trying to calm me down from what I was afraid to hear. I always question myself. Walking into the cardiologists for a Stress Echo was no exception. But he cleared me. Sent me out the door and wished me luck.

Now my journey begins as I continue to clear all obstacles from my path and continue to search inside beyond the physical. Mt. Hood taught me many lessons. Mt. Washington has given me confidence. Mt. Kilimanjaro will define me.

There is much to do. Time must be used wisely and decisions must be made with honesty and not with haste. Many talks with my boys. Promises not to be broken. Pursuing it all one foot in front of the other. Long walks by myself, isolating myself in the gym, closing my eyes during the day to think. Becoming quiet is more a state of mind now rather then talk about everything too much.

I am not alone with myself. I am surrounded by the beauty it all holds. The lessons and defining moments I will learn so I can pass it all on. Some will continue to roll there eyes and some will become inspired by me. But the greatest lesson I have already learned is to believe in myself and be ready for whatever life will hand me.

Following is an excerpt from a book I am reading.....
Making the Climb by John C. Bowling

"Every journey begins wih one step and the real challenge of attaining any goal is to begin.....begin with the end in mind. I am glad to be on my way. As I sit quietly, I think only of standing on the summit, stepping onto the roof of Africa, looking out across a continent. What will it be like to journey by foot above the clouds."

"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves
- Hans Meyer

"You always pass failure on the way to success"
- Mickey Rooney

"E Pluribus Unum"

Depart for Africa - June 28th.
Arrive home - July 12th

All is good!!

Together is One
World Up!
Strong Feather Eileen

Please visit us on the web.....join us.....donate...become part of the cures.

www.theRegulars.org

The Regulars........Video

2009-01-23T11:33:00.001-05:00

My son David created this for us all.........

Eileen

Say hi to our friend Anne Akiko Meyers

2009-01-11T00:56:00.004-05:00

I know what you're thinking. Where's Enzo been?

In a nut shell busy as usual. I also went up to Mount Washington in November with the Regulars to do a little training. In December I was let go from the architecture firm where I worked along with another person, so it seems I’m out of work with the rest of the world at the moment. The economy is really squeezing us all isn't it? At the end of December I drove out to Kansas with Eileen and Jen from the Regulars to visit Mary (who you can find on my top friends list). It was an epic drive to say the least. We stopped by Anne's parents house along the way to Mary's and they had us in for coffee which felt great after having driven so long on the highway's out to the middle of America. It was a 24 hour drive out there, where we spent about 2-1/2 hours with Mary in Junction City Kansas. Then it was a 26 hour drive home. It's all been a great experience to help grow from. But this is not why I wanted to post a blog tonight.

I really wanted to turn you all on to a great friend and one of the worlds greatest solo violinists of all time. Her name is Anne Akiko Meyers.

Anne has inspired me with her drive, her passion, her inner light, and she has re-reminded me that great accomplishments can be made by people who are deeply committed and passionate about what they wish to achieve in this life. To me the best word to use in describing hearing her play is the word - picturesque.

I have always since I was young listened to music in a slightly different way than most. When the music is as fantastic as Anne's, and the performer so in tune with what a piece of music is all about. Music is far more than just music. It's a language that whispers and shouts to you. It moves you from this place and pulls you into a world of it's own. Music literally creates imagery, it paints portraits, it becomes architecture and lets us run through it's streets driven on the emotions it pulls from you.

Just how much music means to me ... I can't even begin to describe. Actually on our website - in the history section - I tried to make a small attempt at describing how it has influenced me through life.http://www.theregulars.org/

In addition to being a giant among musicians, Anne's very passionate about her causes and cares about the people around her. I was really happy and honored to see that she had even mentioned my team - the Regulars - and our quest to conquer Alzheimer's and Parkinson's among her favorite causes.
You can check out her web site and causes at...http://www.anneakikomeyers.com/

So, I was hoping that you might be just as inspired as I was to fall into Anne's MySpace page. You can find her on my MySpace Top Friends List. Stop by and add her to your friends list. She has a new CD coming out this February which is called - Smile. As it turns out she’ll be in Manhattan playing a really intimate show for her CD release. I’ll be there on February 3rd. at 7pm with a few friends and if you know you’ll be in the area come out to meet up with me it’s going to be a great time!

The club is called Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleeker Street, New York City, 212-505-FISH or http://lepoissonrouge.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=30497

I'm sure if you can find a bunch of great videos of her performing if you google Anne Akiko Meyers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqXqC80px0M

I hope you're all having a great 2009 and if you ever see me slipping and not coming by your page to say hi every once and a while... give me a kick and say Hey where've you been???!!! All the best and World up!

Love,
Enzo

2009-01-03T10:24:00.002-05:00

Friendships

Somewhere along the way friendships are formed. The initial meet and greet was very exciting. "Hi, how are you?" "It's so great to finally meet you". An then conversation begins. And friendships grow. Friendships that will never be broken, or tested, or disrespected. The mind sets and the passions that we all share are unified. The age differences range from 12 to 50 years old. It doesn't matter. There is no gap here. We are all on the same page. When we throw on our packs and acclimate ourselves, we are all one.

Knowing when to encourage. Knowing when to stop. Knowing when to let one another go ahead. We all come from different backgrounds. We all have different life experiences. Some of us are from another part of the world. But there is nothing as surreal as putting this group of "friends" together for a common cause, and seeing the camaraderie evolve. There is goodness here; kindness and love. There is a bond between us. I feel it. The person in front of me feels it, and the one in front of them. The feeling of trust amongst one another is prevalent.Whenever we stop to breathe and help one another adjust our packs. Or grab there water for them because it's just easier to reach into there pack rather then have them take the whole pack off. It doesn't matter who, you just lean down and help with there crampons so they are on right. You adjust there goggles, brush snow or dirt off of there boot. You don't discriminate. This is unconditional love at it's finest. Who cares what you look like after days of having a hat press your hair down.

The look in the eyes of one of your friends when you get a chance to sit by the camp and sip tea or water or eat dehydrated food (ok, personally I don't like this). There eyes are the windows to there souls. A beautiful quote and so true in this case. You don't look passed this. When you peer into your teammates eyes and talk about what you are doing and why you are doing it, makes every step you are taking towards the common goal all more worth it. The conversations range from non-sensical to how do you save one's life. You laugh so hard that your side hurts and you cry when you think of all the one's you've lost and all the ones still affected. And it is never judged why or when this may occur.

Lack of sleep, exhaustion from climbing, frustration from not being able to pull more out of yourself wrecks havoc on your mind and your body. But somehow you look over and there is someone reaching for your hand and helping you back up. They are encouraging you to keep moving. They let you set the pace. You lead the group, slowly, but with peace of mind, because you know the ones behind you are all alright with it.

This isn't a race to the top. This is a race for a beginning. A beginning to bring a group of altruistic individuals together to raise money, to draw awareness. Always with each others safety in mind. We hold deep the stories we share, the passion we share, and of course, the friendships we share. Nobody can give this to you. You have to want it, to own it. It flows in all of us.

Think about it for a day. Think about it for a week. This is how things get done. This is how things happen. Just a simple meet and greet to strapping on a pack and becoming part of the team. Or you can just advocate, raise money and become part of the dream. Just as rewarding if the physical challenge of climbing is too much for you.If you become part of this project in any capacity, the hope of cures being found and money to help fund projects, becomes more of a reality. Think of those you love and how you inspire them. They too will join forces to help. If we all come together it can be done. Believe in the cause and then become part of the cause. "Together is One"

World Up!
StrongFeather

www.theRegulars.org

www.10mountains10years.blogspot.com

www.cafepress.com/theregulars

www.myspace.com/10mountains10years

www.myspace.com/tsdmom

Save the date: March 7th, 2009
Ain't No Mountain High Enough
Fundraiser for The Regulars
Hamilton, NJ
More info to follow.......

This is what I have been up to.......

2008-11-05T10:06:00.002-05:00

Just a bragging Blog.......

I am very proud of my son Miguel, 70, who has played a phenomenal season with the Nottingham Northstars. It ain't over yet. As of Monday, when we defeated Ewing, 20-14, we are in the State Playoffs. To be announced.......

Sadly on Friday night one of the players on the team, lost his 15 year old sister due to natural causes. She collapsed while Trick or Treating. I must give kudos to the Ewing team for allowing the Northstars to postpone the game that was originally scheduled on Saturday so as to gather the team together at the High School and and help them deal with there grief for there fellow teammate. It is true sportmanship when this occurs. As a result, on Monday night, the young girls brother scored one of the touchdowns which led the team to there victory. As the paper quoted him saying "I just wanted to let her know that I love her" as he reached the end zone, paused for a second, looked into the night sky and pointed both hands into the air. Truely a moment.

My son is breaking records. On the field, in the weight room, he is a force to be dealt with. I have never been prouder of him as I am right now.

This is dedicated to you, my son, because I have always, and will always, believe in you.

Miguel Colon #70 - Defensive Lineman Captain
Honored as Player of the Week this season

GOOD LUCK MIGUEL AND TO THE NORTHSTARS!!!!!

Strong Feather - Eileen

Brewster Girls Soccer Tournament - 2008 Street Team

2008-09-16T12:12:00.004-04:00

Hey guys,

Eric is up to tournament number 2 this year.

Eric is from "A Trail Called Hope - III - Mount Hood. He also went and climbed Kilimanjaro about two weeks after returning from Mount Hood this year, and brought back a bunch of information and personal experience to help the team with this years coming climb.

The Brewster Girls Soccer Team will be helping "the Regulars" to kick Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by raising awareness at the tournament which Eric has designed for 2008. This is a perfect example of being creative in the ways you can help to raise awareness for Alzheimer's & Parkinson's as well as fund for research. If anyone is in the neighborhood stop by and meet up with Eric (Gladiator) and say hi to the girls.

In the attached flyer you'll notice Eric had the girls sign a Team Fox banner then he took it to Mount Hood and Kilimanjaro (where he photographed it again).

World up,

Enzo

Mont Blanc Correction from Tomb Raider

2008-08-31T19:44:00.004-04:00

Hi there!

Thanks for your congratulating notes :o)
I have to correct myself, because in the first account I gave of our ascent I mistakenly wrote we started at 8:30am on summit day and were back in the Gouter hut at 12:20 - so, for the record: really we reached the summit at 12:20 and got back to the hut 2 hrs later at around 2:30pm. (Making it in 4 hrs would have been waaay too quick!)

I finally uploaded this year's MB pics onto my computer; here are the best!
Do you recognize the odd one out? (That's my ex on his motorcycle tour - in Italy perhaps - w/friends; but it's the t-shirt that's important!)

I don't know you guys had a similar experience, but for me stepping out of the woods back into civilization at 10pm after descending from MB was just so weird. Up there everything felt relevant and simple and obvious. Chamonix was interesting and colorful, but different already and especially back in Budapest I felt out of place... Nature's fantastic. I seriously considered canceling my new teaching position even in the very last moment in favor of a life devoted to the outdoors, and was checking airfares online a minute before I left home for my first teachers' meeting :o)

But of course I didn't say no to teaching at the high school so now I'm up for a new adventure in the next 10 months. If you don't hear from me it's because I'm caught up in a high school's life!

Hugs,
Ooodri

Search for Team Mates - 2009

2008-08-28T13:15:00.002-04:00

The Regulars – A Trail Called Hope – IV – Kilimanjaro – 2009

Hey guys I am just about at capacity at the moment although I’m waiting on word from the park system in Tanzania regarding the maximum group size.
But with that being said I’m still looking for team mates for the up coming fourth climb of the Regulars www.myspace.com/10mountains10years .

Although I made a general post on MySpace and then on our blog page I don't believe I will get much respose because many people are simply afraid of the mountains. But with that being said, I have sent this you and only a handful of other people I know who I believe just might be up20for the adventure.

This is your opportunity to help shine a light on the need for cures. This is your chance to help the 30 million people around the world who are suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease and or Parkinson’s Disease.

Although Kilimanjaro is the most straight forward of all the mountains on the 10 Mountains – 10 Years project list. It is still a very tall walk up with one of the highest vertical gain’s from base to summit. The top of Kilimanjaro sits at 19,563 ft.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Northeast Tanzania, near the Kenya border. Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano, and is one of the most massive in the world. It towers 15,000 feet above the surrounding arid plains, and 2.5 square miles of its surface are over 18,500 feet. Beneath its ice dome, snow extends down long gullies that have been eroded in the=2 0mountain sides. Kilimanjaro's summit crater, known as Kibo, measures an incredible 1.5 miles across. The highest point on Kibo's steep rim is Uhuru, the highest peak in Africa. Nestled in the center of Kibo is a smaller crater, 600-feet deep in sulfurous ashes.

The sights will be spectacular. Just imagine looking in on direction to see the African plain’s below filled with giraffe, zebra, lion and other exotic animals. Then look in the opposite direction to see the continents highest mountains – Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free standing, snow-covered equatorial mountain. Now charted and climbed; stories of her resident man-eating spirits are relegated to the realms of folklore. But Mount Kilimanjaro continues to preserve a mysticism that defies all recent knowledge of her slopes.

Images of the towering snow-covered cone rising majestically from fertile green foothills have become a powerful motif of Tanzania's extraordinary extremes. Few could deny a very distinct sense of awe when the cloud clears to reveal a glimpse of the towering peaks, shining bright in the equatorial sun.

A Towering Life Force
Kilimanjaro represents a powerful life force for the local Chagga people and all those who have made their lives around this mountain, providing rich volcanic soils for agriculture and an endless source of pure spring waters.

Climbing Kilimanjaro
One of the most amazing aspects of the mountain in the present day is the accessibility of its peak to climbers with no mountain climbing equipment or real previous experience of scaling such heights.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain that regular tourists can climb, although it remains a considerable feat of human endurance! The breathable oxygen at the top is less than half the amount than is common at sea level, and climbers cover at least eighty kilometres on no thing but their own two feet over the five days it takes to reach the top and return.

Preserving the Mountain
The number of climbers has escalated to over a thousand a year during the last century, quite a development since Hans Meyer made history as the first European to scale the highest point of Kilimanjaro in 1889. The increasing numbers each year have made it necessary for the National Park to insist that all climbs are pre-booked, and passes are no longer issued at the last minute at the park gate.

Overall Fitness Required
Although it is possible to simply trek a route to the pinnacle of Kibo without relying on professional climbing equipment, it remains a hard and serious endeavour that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes. Many tour operators request that clients consult a doctor before attempting to scale the mountain, and have a physical check-up for overall fitness.

Phases of the Climb;

First Stage,Tropical Forest
With most of the old lowland forest now cultivated and settled, the first experience of the mountain environment begins with the dense vegetation of tropical montane forest between 1850m and around 2800m. Cloud condensation mainly gathers around the forest, so this area is usually damp or drenched with rainfall, creating an intriguing mass of plant life and running rivers between endemic tree species. The area of heath just beyond the tree line also enjoys a relatively misty and damp environment as cloud clings around the density of trees. This is covered with heather and shrubs such as Erica Arborea and Stoebe Kilimandsharica, and a number of dramatic looking Proteas.

Open Moorland
From around 3,200m a wide expanse of moorland extends beyond the heath and the cloud line, so that here the skies are generally clear, making the sunshine intense during the days and the nights cool and clear. The climbing incline remains gentle, but thinning oxygen provides less fuel to energise the muscles and can dramatically slow the pace of walking. Hard y endemic species of Giant Groundsels (Senecio) and Lobelia (Deckenii) towering up to 4m high thrive in this moorland zone and give the landscape a strangely primeval atmosphere.

Alpine Desert, Sparse Vegetation
Even higher, beyond 4,000m, this sensation intensifies as the landscape develops into a more bizarre alpine desert, with sandy loose earth and intense weather conditions and temperature fluctuations so dramatic that barely any plant species survive other than everlasting flowers, mosses and lichens. Only the odd lichen survives beyond 5000m, after Kibo Huts and beyond the Saddle, where the landscape is predominantly rock and ice fields. Here, climbers experience the final steep push to the summit.

Saddle to Summit
The easterly routes, Marangu, Mweka, Loitokitok and Rongai all converge west of the saddle near Gillmans Point, between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. Kibos crater is roughly circular with an inner cone extending to 5,800m, (100m lower than the summit at Uhuru Peak). At the centre an inner crater with walls between 12 and 20 m high contains another concentric minor cone, the centre of which falls away into the 360m span of the ash pit. This is the 120 meter deep central core of the volcano, and casts sulphurous boiling smoke from its depths despite the frozen, snowy outskirts.

Becoming one of the Regulars is not a flight of fancy and will require you to work hard in more ways than you can imagine.
You will promise yourself and others a number of things by becoming one of the Regulars.

Although a more complete list had been developed into what is called (the Regulars 11 Commandments) quick example of what is expected of each person on the Regulars is:
You will be willing to make many sacrifices.
You must be willing to fund raise.
You must be willing to raise awareness.
You must be willing to pay your own way for all expenses.
You must be willing to share your experiences with others.
You must be willing to promote the need for not one, but BOTH Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association AND Michael J. Fox Foundation – Team Fox.
Although the following is not a requirement it is usually best of your family has been impacted by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s so that you have seen the devastation first hand and can tell others through your own experiences with these diseases.

So guys, with all that said if you want to do this let me know as soon as possible.
Only those who are more than interested need reply to this post.
I need people who are 100% serious about pushing themselves through a very successful climbing, awareness and fund raising season in 2009.
Finding these cures is a very emotional, phys ically demanding, and mentally challenging labor of love. In order to be in the saddle, you’ve got to be up for one hell of a ride.

World up,
Enzo
The Regulars
10 Mountains – 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure)

www.myspace.com/10mountains10years

http://10mountains10years.blogspot.com/

http://www.youtube.com/theFotographer

The Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A Cure

2008-08-26T09:41:00.001-04:00

Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A CureShare
Today at 8:26am | Edit Note | Delete
My plan: Write this book

The title: The Different Ones - All Roads Lead To A Cure

Dedicated to: My father-in-law, Fernando Colon, who lost his battle to Alzheimer's Disease and those who are fighting these battles and those who love and care for them

2nd. Dedication to: My Mom - "All I Am Or Hope To Be I Owe To My Angel Mother"

My Goal: To summit one day

All proceeds will go to The Alzheimer's Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Disease

My request: To not be forgotten

http:www.myspace.com/10mountains10years

"Together Is One"

How does one decide at 50 years of age to climb a mountain? Why, with absolutely no experience, would I decide this? What roads led me to this decision? What influenced me along the way? Some say my decision was thoughtless. Meaning, I have young children and am putting my life at risk and maybe leaving them motherless. Or, it's my age and I'm just going through a mid-life crisis. That was one of the most over used statements I ever heard. It was even getting old. But none of the above were correct. All roads led me to my decision. I followed this path all my life. Searching for meaning and purpose. Wanting to full fill a need in side to make a difference. Always grabbing at straws and hoping somehow, someone would find me and place me with them in the same capacity as how I was feeling. I never thought it would come in the form of climbing mountains but it did. The plan behind all this is compelling. The man behind the plan is inspiring. His reasons, his vision. It drew me in and I wanted to become part of it. It wasn't a decision I made right away. I knew I could be part of this team no matter what. But to full fill the Trail Called Hope dream meant for me to step outside my comfort zone and just do it. It hit me one day that I wanted this. Even with my own physical limitations I knew I could at least train and try for this. I could never convince you to do this. It is a personal choice. One that comes from deep within. Especially if you never did anything like this before. It's a mind set, a huge goal, and a challenge. I went for it and said yes and thus began my journey.

For one year I placed myself in the boots of a climber and the mind of an adventurer. But my heart was always with the why of the journey. The 10 mountains 10 year project is about drawing awareness and raising funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Both of which have affected my family and my friends. The caregiver in me has become the advocate. The advocate has become altruistic. The desire grows each passing day upon each waking moment. The training becomes intense and the body hurts. But you persist no matter how you feel. My children come into play. They see how hard I am working and I tell them to understand more why I am doing this. To look at me and be proud of me. To support me so I can secure a better future for them free from diseases. To help in this search for cures and be able to say I played a part in it has become my reality and my goal in life. My commitment to everyone I've befriended along the way as well as those already in my life.

I have always believed your destiny eventually finds you. God has already mapped out mine. The strength that grows each day, which I believe with all of my heart comes from my mother, are my reasons for continuing on. It doesn't stop after one mountain. It pushes you to the next one. You remain on the same roads that led you here. You grow closer inside to the reasons you are doing this. Before you know it you are the reason. You begin to convince others of the intensity and probabilities of this project. You see it is not all about the mountain. You draw people in not only with your voice but with your desire to create a better way. A better way for there children, there grandchildren, themselves, there parents.

I have a voice. A voice that I want heard. Whether it be in the form of a short speech, an interview, a newspaper article, a book; I am ready to be heard. I am ready……….

Once again my training will begin. My mindset will shift. My children will come into play. My life will be forever changed.
My story continues. Or should I say another chapter will be written. I cannot predict the future. I cannot say if I will ever summit a mountain. But the one thing I believe more than anything is that cures will be found. The more voices that are heard and the more that climb on board in some capacity, brings us that much closer to what we all want. And that is cures.

I believe in Enzo's project. I believe in Enzo and our team. I believe in "Together is One". There isn't anything in this life that isn't achievable. Strength within pulls you up and makes things happen. Focusing on your strength is important, even on days when you feel you have none. Being there for someone that needs you more then your own needs. Placing yourself behind them so you can catch them if they fall. It's all about the abundance of love in your heart. It can be your reason. Whatever you decide, always be mindful of those around you. There are chances they could become affected somehow by a disease. Remember your reasons. Always keep moving forward with the plan. Never loose sight of doing something good. It is what will make the difference in someone's life.

We can all make a difference and shout from a mountain top, up at a podium, out a window. I write because I am inspired. Inspired by the many out there who struggle with these diseases. The many who care for them. I hope you read this and become inspired too.

Like Enzo says, "There should be no stone left unturned". Help those who cannot help themselves. Bring hope to those who feel all hope is lost. One voice, a thousand voices. Make it happen.

Strong Feather aka Eileen

Currently listening :
Who We Are
By Lifehouse
Release date: 2007-06-19

A Trail Called Hope - III - Enzo's video clips

2008-08-21T23:10:00.007-04:00

Hey guys, How long has it really been since you've heard from me, I mean really? A long time huh? There's no one more sorry then me. But, guess what? I'm pulling the wings up again. I know a lot of you have been asking for a Mount Hood update, which Eileen has probably filled you in on. I'm sure she has some good stuff for you in her blogs. For now, I have a new video for you, which I shot on my home camera. Mostly footage and photos from "the Regulars" A Trail Called Hope - III - Mount Hood (July 2008). I also have a few photos taken at the Parkinson's Unity Walk - NYC 2008. I've set it to a song called "Storm" from Lifehouse. I hope you like it. Just in case you can't see the video here in the blog you can also find it and others on my YouTube page. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/theFotographer A quick summary for you is...the Regulars have officially checked off another mountain as a success!!!!!!!! For me though, personally the entire time spent out in Portland was not physically hard, but rather an emotional and mental battle. There was dark weather, lightning, thunder, and high winds. There was pleanty internal termoil and drama, which is not may favorite thing to deal with. There was this side, and there was that side, and I'm learning that controlling a team is not always easy. Also, my brother Dan and nephew Tyler (who had made this their first mountain climb) had to leave early, because there was a medical emergency in the family back in New York. Ultimately that emergency lead to a relative passing away. So much went wrong that sometimes it hurts just to look back at it. But, it was just that which has helped me begin to pull my wings back up a few days ago. Although I had been avoiding it, I finally picked up my camera and started looking through the video clips, and there was so much sparkle and life inbetween all the heavy moments that I missed while I was out there. So, now has begun a time to reflect on all the mis-steps and all the giant leaps we made on Mount Hood. Now I can start to learn from it all. Now I can move ahead with my team with all engines at full throttle heading for Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa) in 2009. To my team...well done! To all of you who have made donations toward research through our donation links for the Alzheimer's Association & the Michael J. Fox Foundation - Team Fox pages...I am honored to have had your support. For all those who have never made a donation, it's not too late. Remember that funding is the life blood of all research. Nothing can be done without it. To Kilimanjaro, we've got our eyes set on you. The clock is ticking and we're on our way. Another one down...World up! Enzo

Tomb Raider on Mont Blanc

2008-08-20T12:54:00.001-04:00

Ciao guys,

Just to let you all know…our team mate Tomb Raider was on Mont Blanc this morning.
I got a message on my answering machine which I didn’t check until later, but when I did it was such a surprise.

It was all chopped up sounding with wind blowing in the background, and a really breathy panting voice saying – “Hey Enzo, this is Tomb Raiser guess where I’m calling you from. I’m at the white lady today. Can you hear me???? This is Tomb Raider calling from the top of Mont Blanc!”

How fantastic is that????????!! !!!!!!!
I don’t know who she was climbing with…maybe Brett was with her, because I know he went to visit her in Hungary the other week. I’m sure she (or he) will fill us all in when she gets home to Budapest.

The most amazing thing about this is persistence.
When we were all there as a team to climb Mont Blanc she was the only one who never made it out of the valley onto the mountain because she hurt her back on the way in. In actuality no one made it to the summit that year at all. At the time she also had a load of rock climbing experience but no mountaineering real experience. This past winter she stepped up her game and learned as much about mountaineering as possible, and this morning she is now the first person on our team to climb to the top of Mont Blanc!

It reminds me in a way of Eric and his trip to Kilimanjaro a few weeks ago. If he was feeling anything like me (flying home from Mount Hood) he was probably a little down over not personally making it to the top of Mount Hood in July. It’s really such a bad feeling. It’s like having a stone in the pit of your stomach because you had just invested so much time, money and effort to go to this place and climb it only to held off for reasons which are in many cases beyond your control. But getting back to Eric he went on to Africa to climb Kilimanjaro. He pushed his way through the altitude, through feeling sick along the way and on to the summit of Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in continental Africa. The photo he had taken on the summit showed a small yellow flag just to the right of his knee which read…Persist.

That basically sums it all up for us.
It sums it all up for research and science too.
It’s the backbone of why our project is20the epic it is.

We (the Regulars) will all persist in our efforts to reach our goals, to reach these summits, to raise awareness and to raise the funds the world needs for research. All because we believe that we will in some large or small way play a part in conquering Alzheimer’s Disease & Parkinson’s Disease.

With that being said……….Hell yeah! Great job Eric!
&
Great job Adrienn (AKA Tomb Raider) and Brett too if you were there!

World up,
Enzo

PS – Sorry Adrienn, I was kicking myself in the ass for not being awake to get the call!

PPS – I went to Tomb Raiders myspace page this morning after I got the call and saw she posted a video from a band called Sigur Ros. They are from Iceland so you won’t understand what they’re saying….but you can read into it any way you like. Some of you might remember this band from the Regulars (Ecuador) video I made. The song on the video she had posted is different but I want you to check it out.
In the typical very deep and emotional sounding style they play the music really pulls your heart strings and will make you just as happy as you can be sad in watching the video.
What I liked the most about the video on Adrienn’s page was this thought… It reminded me of a very young team of us (the Regulars) as kids. The world stretched out before us and we’re marching around, dreaming big, climbing our mountains and then in the end learning that if you just “believe” in yourselves, then anything is possible.

It was deep.
I was moved.

You can see the video on her myspace page or click this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doc1eqstMQQ

Another one down...world up!

KrazyGeorgeHenderson

2008-07-24T18:22:00.002-04:00

This here is an excerpt from a book you might know, D. Seidman's HOW. I'm including this piece here to inspire you my team: when I read about Krazy George Henderson just now and how he 'invented' the Wave, I couldn't help but think of how excellent a symbol this story is for Captain Enzo and the Regulars' endeavor. Seeing how the Wave works I'm positive that the 10mountains10years project is doomed to success!
(You can find the complete Prologue - which is where these passages come from - here.)

"The Wave is an extraordinary act. All those people, spread out over a vast stadium, with limited ability to connect or communicate, somehow come together in a giant cooperative act inspired by a common goal: to help the home team win. It defies language and culture, occurring with regularity throughout the world at Tower of Babel events as diverse as the Olympics and international soccer games[...] It transverses gender, income, and societal status. It is a pure expression of collective passion released.

What does it take to start a Wave?

If you consider the Wave as a process of human endeavor, you realize immediately that anyone can start one—an enthusiastic soccer mom, four drunken guys with jellyroll bellies and their bare chests painted Oakland green, or eight adolescents who idolize the team's star player. You don't have to be the owner of the stadium, the richest or most powerful person there, or even a paid professional like Krazy George. No one takes out their business card and says, "My title is the biggest; let the Wave start with me." Anyone can start a Wave; it is a truly democratic act.

So, how do you do it?

First, you need people's attention. Starting a Wave requires an act of leadership, so you must be willing to stand up and lead. You have to stand up, communicate your idea, and inspire others to help you achieve it. But how? Krazy George uses his drum, but the security guard at the metal detectors made you leave yours in the car. You could, perhaps, turn to the guy next to you and say, "Hey, here's 20 bucks—let's stand up." He might go along, but really, unless you are Bill Gates you will probably run out of money before you get all 60,000 fans to buy into your plan[...]
To create a great and powerful Wave, one that can make a difference to your team, you need enthusiastic participation[...]

Clearly, how you communicate your vision—how you connect with those around you—directly affects the outcome. The essence of a Wave, what makes it such a forceful expression of human desire, is that it is powered by a common passion to help the home team win. That value lives larger than any individual's actions and unites all the fans in the stadium. No one followed Krazy George's idea because they thought it was about George; a Wave is leadership, but the most important thing about a Wave is that you forget where it started—Section 32? 64? 132? The fans followed because he got everybody enlisted, and when you get everybody enlisted, it doesn't matter where your Wave starts. It just goes.

And no one followed Krazy George's idea because people booed (that was just a good-natured way of getting attention in a big stadium). They followed because they liked what he stood for and the way he banged his drum for it. To start one, then, you need to reach out to those around you, to share your vision with them, to enlist them in a common purpose. You must lead this Wave not by wielding formal authority, punitive power, or the threat of a small thermonuclear device under the stands, but with a touch of charisma. To get them to join you, you must be earnest and transparent, hold nothing back, and earn their trust. "Hey!" you might yell, charged with passion and commitment, filled with the unbridled emotion that you want to uncork in others. "I've got this idea! If we all stand up, wave our arms, and yell, I think it might help us win!" Who doesn't want to win?

I like the Wave as metaphor because it is about what a diverse group of people can accomplish when united by a common vision. It illustrates the power that moves through a group of people when they perform at their best, their most unbridled and passionate."

Hugs to all,
TR

Thank You.......the journey continues

2008-07-24T11:30:00.000-04:00

Thank You.......the journey continues

It has been almost three weeks since I returned From Oregon with my team "The Regulars". I decided to lay low at home for awhile to absorb the experience I had just come back from. I have not trained, walked, done karate, or even diet. Wow, a little odd for me but it felt good doing this. When I posted my Blog "When the Mountain talks to You" I was totally overwhelmed by the responses from everybody, the messages sent via Myspace, email. I still sit in awe at the impact it has made on my life and how it has changed me. How very grateful I am to have all of you in my life supporting me and encouraging me. How for the split second I was disappointed in myself I was reassured there was nothing to be disappointed at. I know that, but human nature sometimes rears its ugly head and makes you feel bad.

This is only one phase of the 10mountains 10years project. It is an ongoing project and one that everyone can get involved in. Climbing mountains may not be for everybody but the statement it is making is. The awareness and the funds that will be drawn in from our documentary is monumental. The uniqueness of this project is that there is no time limit. It is ongoing. The web pages to donate never go away. The chance to become part of a Street Team is always readily available. The possibilities to help out are there.

Go to our webpage and donate. Go to Enzo's page and get to know him and what this project is all about. Repost to get others involved. Every one counts in our search for the cures. For every person that donates, that is one step closer to aide in the research. Become involed, become a part of.

Our web pages are as follows:

http://www.theregulars.org TO DONATE AND BECOME PART OF THE FILM

http://www.myspace.com/10mountains10years TEAM CAPTAIN ENZO SIMONE

http://www.10mountains10years.blogspot.com GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM AND WHAT THEY ARE UP TO

http://www.cafepress.com/theregulars TO PURCHASE OUR TSHIRTS, HATS...ETC

As one journey ends another one begins.........I will go with them again. I will continue this fight to end these diseases. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful comments, your support, your friendships and your own efforts in making a difference.

Another One Down

World Up,
Eileen aka Strong Feather

beautiful baby boy has Alzheimer's

2008-07-17T15:30:00.000-04:00

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/11_03/jodiejoshDM2311_468x381.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-496098/My-beautiful-baby-boy-Alzheimers.html&h=381&w=468&sz=41&hl=en&start=45&um=1&tbnid=WJJRnqGN6rpDOM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=128&prev=/images%3Fq%3DWHO%2527S%2BMOTHER%2BHAS%2BALZHEIMER%2527S%26start%3D40%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN

My beautiful baby boy has Alzheimer's
By AMANDA CABLE
Last updated at 23:45 24 November 2007
Last week, Joshua Cullip said "Mummy" for the first time. It was a breathtaking moment - and his mother's face lights up at the memory.

She says: "He was sitting in the high chair and clearly wanted more food. I was taking my time, and he started banging his plate - then he suddenly shouted 'Mummy' really loudly.
"It was as if someone had reached in and grabbed hold of my heart. It just physically lurched, and I still haven't got over the thrill of hearing him say my name."
Bitter blow: Joshua with his mother Jodie who is facing up to a difficult future
With that, as if on cue, Joshua says "Mama" again, and explodes into peals of laughter.
Like every first-time mother, Jodie greets each milestone with undisguised joy.
But each new achievement, each cause of celebration, is as agonising as it is gleeful. Because this sweet blonde 13-month-old baby with beseeching blue eyes and a ready smile is suffering from Alzheimer's.
Yes you did hear correctly - Alzheimer's. At some point before his fifth birthday dementia caused by the genetic disease Niemann-Pick C will set in, and this small boy will gradually forget every word he has learned.
It is perhaps one of the cruellest tricks of nature that within a couple of years, the child who now calls so happily for his Mummy will be too senile even to know who she is.
Jodie says: "It's as if everything Joshua says and does will slowly be taken away from us.
"He looks at me with such love, I can't imagine what it will be like for him not even to know me. To look at me in real confusion, with a stranger's eyes.
"He makes me so proud every day. He's just learned to do the rhyme Round And Round The Garden with his chubby little finger going around his palm, and he's so pleased with himself.
"But even then, I think: 'He won't remember this rhyme one day.' It's just another fresh pain."
At the age of 21, Jodie is an extraordinary young woman who remains incredibly calm and composed. When Joshua gleefully puts his plastic toys down the loo and empties out the shampoo, she remonstrates with him, but secretly delights in his mischief.
She says: "He's a little monster. I love to say that because it is just a little boy who gets into mischief. I just want him to stay a normal little boy for as long as possible."
Jodie is currently living apart from Joshua's father Callum, also 21. The stress, she admits, has been hard for the childhood sweethearts who have been together for five years.
She never planned to become a mother so young, but now, despite her own ambitions, she is devoting herself to caring for Joshua.
The news that she was pregnant came as a complete shock. Jodie says: "I planned to wait for a few years before settling down and having a baby.
"I was working in a children's shop and helping to run children's parties when I went to the local family planning clinic for my regular contraceptive injections.
"They do a pregnancy test as a matter of course, but this time the lady's face changed. She said: 'I wasn't expecting this - you are pregnant.' I was utterly stunned.
"I went straight to my niece's birthday party, and sat watching all the little children playing. I couldn't believe I was pregnant. Callum was shocked when I told him but we both decided we had always wanted a family.
"We were just starting earlier than we had planned."
The devoted young couple started to prepare for their baby - decorating their immaculate two-bedroom home in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. But the pregnancy was difficult.
At six months, Jodie went into premature labour, which doctors were able to stop with drugs. During a scan at 33 weeks, Jodie discovered she was expecting a boy.
She says: "I had felt so sure the baby was going to be a boy, and I was thrilled. I knew immediately that I wanted to call him Joshua, and Callum chose his middle name, John.
"I had such wonderful plans for him before he was even born. I used to daydream, and wonder what he would be when he grew up."
At 35 weeks, Jodie's waters broke suddenly and she was rushed into theatre for an emergency Caesarean while her agonised partner waited outside.
"Joshua weighed 5lb 7oz," she says, "but I only saw him for a few seconds, because he was freezing cold and had problems breathing and they needed to get him to the special care unit.
"I could hardly see him under the blankets, and when they took him away it was awful, as if a piece of me had been amputated."
Within hours, Jodie's own condition had deteriorated. Kidney complications during her pregnancy returned, and she was treated in a separate unit, unable to see her child.
The following morning, a paediatrician arrived with the news that Joshua was jaundiced and unable to take milk. He had to be transferred to a specialist baby unit in Oxford, 40 miles away.
"The next two weeks were a total misery," says Jodie. "I was put in my own room, but I could hear all the other babies and their mothers on the ward.
"Callum would go and visit Joshua at the baby unit, then come back and tell me about him, and I felt so jealous. I started to wonder if I would ever bond with this baby I had never seen.
"Finally, after two weeks I discharged myself, I had to see him so badly. I could hardly walk, but I insisted Callum drove me to be with our son.
"I staggered into the special care unit and there he was, the smallest but most perfect baby I had ever seen.
"I just needed to hold him in my arms. Incredibly, almost as soon as I did, Joshua started to thrive. Within hours, he started to feed. His bowel movements became normal and his temperature settled.
"It was as if he knew Mummy had come for him, as if I had somehow willed him to get better."
After two weeks, Joshua was declared well enough to go home. Jodie says: "The doctors said they had to keep an eye on his jaundice levels, but I honestly didn't think jaundice was dangerous.
"I was just thrilled he was coming home and we were going to start our new life as a little family at last."
But after a few weeks, fresh blood tests revealed that Joshua's levels of bilirubin - the pigment which causes jaundice - were high, and he had to be referred to a liver specialist in London.
"As soon as I heard the words 'liver specialist', I started to panic," says Jodie, "but I told myself that the doctors probably just wanted to be safe.
"Joshua had slightly yellow eyes, but he seemed so healthy. He smiled at exactly the right time, and started gurgling and trying to talk to me with his own baby language.
"I couldn't believe that a baby who seemed so bright and so perfect could have something seriously wrong with him."

Baby book: Like other first-time mothers, Jodie meticulously records Joshua's progress
The family were sent to London's famous King's College Hospital, but further tests showed no liver disease. Clearly baffled, doctors asked Jodie and Callum if there was any family history of serious illness or infant death.
Jodie says: "My mother reminded me that my cousin's daughter Maddie had died at three months' old the previous year. We weren't close, I had never met the poor baby, but Mum decided to check the details.
"When she rang back, she said the baby had suffered from a very rare genetic condition called Niemann-Pick C - a form of dementia known as children's Alzheimer's.
"I told the specialist, and she said: 'It's very unlikely, because it isn't hereditary and I've never known two babies from one family suffer from this condition. But it is worth testing Joshua so that we can rule it out.'
"The tests themselves were horrific. Joshua had to have a bone marrow biopsy, a liver biopsy and a skin biopsy at the same time. I wasn't allowed to be with him, I just stood outside in the hallway, listening to his screams and crying my eyes out."
A week later, Jodie received a call from the specialist. She says: "The doctor just said that the tests had come back, and unfortunately they did show that Joshua probably had Neimann-Pick C. The final result, from the skin biopsy, would confirm if this was the case.
"I put the phone down and went straight onto the internet because I didn't have a clue what this condition was. I was absolutely devastated with what I saw.
"I learned that Niemann-Pick C is caused when both parents carry a faulty gene. It affects just one in 150,000 babies and causes harmful build-ups of fatty substances known as lipids in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and brain.
"Callum, myself and our parents all read up about this awful condition but somehow I managed to convince myself that the final skin biopsy would show that Joshua was clear.
"He was a healthy, happy, five-month-old baby who played and gurgled at my feet. I couldn't believe such a beautiful boy had such an evil disease."
Jodie and Callum are sheltered by their close-knit families, and when the young couple travelled to London for the final verdict in March this year, Callum's parents came with them for support.
"We arrived at Evelina Children's Hospital and we all walked in to meet the specialist," says Jodie. "I put Joshua onto the floor and I watched him roll around, playing. Then the specialist confirmed that Joshua had Neimann-Pick C.
"I remember him saying that children like Joshua, who had an enlarged liver and spleen usually pass away by the age of five from liver failure.
"There are some children who survive into early adulthood, but we should prepare ourselves for the worst."
The news was greeted with utter silence. Jodie says: "Nobody could talk. To be honest, I was devoid of any emotion. I didn't even cry, it just didn't feel real.
"I picked Joshua up and we left the hospital and went on a boat trip. It was totally surreal, because Joshua was laughing at the other boats and pointing, and none of us even mentioned the doctor or this awful prognosis.
"I couldn't even think about it. I just wanted to give Joshua a nice day out. It didn't seem fair to be talking about his death when he was having such a lovely time watching the boats.
"Even when I got home that night, I didn't cry. Reality didn't actually sink in for another few weeks. Then one day, I was reading an article in a local newspaper, and it talked about another little child who has Niemann-Pick C.
"It said the condition was known as children's Alzheimer's, because it causes progressive senile dementia, like the type seen in elderly people.
"It was as if my whole world came crashing down, because with the word Alzheimer's, the full implication of Joshua's condition, and his future, became clear.
"I had never known anyone with Alzheimer's but before my pregnancy I had happened to watch a storyline on Coronation Street which showed one of the main characters, Mike Baldwin, suffering from the condition.
"The irony was that I never usually watch soaps, but the sight of this character who kept forgetting things had been so disturbing that I had followed the whole story, watching the gradual disintegration of his mind.
"Now, the image of that shambling and confused man haunted me. Because I realised this is what would happen to Joshua.
"Everything that he learned would be forgotten. Everything he discovered about the world around him would be lost. Every toy that he loved would one day be discarded.
"The thought that eventually he wouldn't even recognise his beloved Grandad was unbearable."
With this, Jodie pauses and takes a painful gulp. "And then I remember that one day he won't even know me."
Joshua's condition is untreatable. A liver transplant is not an option because fatty deposits would attack any new organ. Jodie's beloved baby son is effectively a ticking time bomb.
At some point he will become clumsy, and start to tumble and fall. He will begin to forget where he has put his toys. Words will start to fail him, and he will have difficulty remembering the faces of those who love him.
Finally, he will lose the power of speech and the power to swallow. Jodie fights back tears as she says: "He loves his food so much. Whatever I cook for him, he really enjoys and that is what hurts me the most. The thought that he won't actually be able to swallow or taste the food he loves."
At the age of 21, where the only choices many girls make are where to go out on a Saturday night, Jodie is facing some of the most painful decisions any mother can make, and she does so with a maturity which belies her years.
"I don't want Joshua's life to be prolonged by painful treatment," she says. "I want him to remain happy and comfortable for as long as possible.
"It is hard to think about his death when he is so happy and doing so well. But I force myself to think about the future, for his sake. I want to plan it, so I don't fall apart when it happens.
"I've decided that when he has gone, I want to find a new career, a new chance to make the best of my life.
"I want Joshua to be proud of me, and I want to be the best mum he could ever hope for - even if he is in Heaven.
"I left school at 17 with just five GCSEs. Perhaps I'll go to college and study, maybe find a career which helps sick children. I just know I can't afford to go downhill and waste this precious chance.
"In the meantime, I just delight in everything Joshua does. If he's naughty, I pretend I'm cross but in truth I'm just thrilled that he has this incredible cheeky spirit.
"I video him all the time and then I watch the tapes back so I can savour every moment and enjoy every new little thing he does, time and time again."
Jodie has a baby book, where like many other first-time mothers, she meticulously records Joshua's progress.
There, her neat handwriting recalls, how he first crawled at ten months, pulled himself up to stand at nearly a year.
And last week, she recalls shakily, he said "Mummy" for the very first time. Up until then, he called her Jojo.
She smiles with pride and says: "His little voice is the sweetest sound I have ever heard."
And when it is gone, when Joshua can no longer say Mummy or plant wet kisses on her cheek, it is a memory she will hang on to for ever.

When the mountain talks to You

2008-07-08T07:08:00.001-04:00

When the mountain talks to You.....

When the mountain talks to you

The ever changing progression of the mountain is like the ever changing progression of these diseases. Just when you think you are going to reach the summit, lightening strikes and sends you back down. Just when a breakthrough has been made in the understanding of a disease, lightening strikes and sends researchers back to the drawing board. A medication stops working. A medication won’t kick in. A beautiful mind is lost. A body is broken. We climb to reach the summit but we don’t always. But, we keep climbing, keep pushing to reach the next one. Base camp, high camp, the summit. Snow boots, crampons, ice axes, poles, goggles, backpacks, gloves, harness, rope team…..all needed to reach the top. Funding, awareness, advocates, caregivers, scientists, government approval, those who battle these diseases, foundations, Philanthropist’s, volunteers, street teams, walkers, climbers, bikers, hikers…..all needed to reach the top of this never ending search for the cures.
I reached an altitude of comfort on the mountain. A moment of clarity and a moment of reality. I trained hard in snow camp at base camp. I climbed up a straight incline of snow and ice with my rope team that consisted of Phil, our guide, Cy and Enzo. I conquered the side step, toes first, cross over step, duck walk. I walked without my crampons, with my crampons, without my ice axe, with my ice axe. I slid and fell several times. I stared up at the summit and prayed and thought about all of you. I carried letters and my well wishes blog that I printed out. I kept you all close. When I fell face first in the snow I picked my self back up. When I got snow and ice kicked in my face, down my coat, I just wiped it off, shook it out and kept moving. Five hours of training. My team supported me, cheered me on, sang to me “Come on Eileen”.
I may not have made it to the top this time. Not even to high camp, but I will never stop trying on some level to help others to do so. To keep giving them hope in a project that resonates change. A project that resonates progression. That speaks to millions and makes millions listen.
Disappointment in myself did not occur. It was a tough decision to make but the mountain talked and I listened. If others are disappointed in me and just don’t understand why, that is there prerogative. I stepped out of my comfort level, I trained hard, I developed a mind set to achieve this. Altitude sickness, vertigo, no sleep that night, and yes, fear made my mental state crash. It was best for the team that I didn’t continue. I stayed behind and sat in a car in front of the mountain for a full day and night and watched the progression of the mountain change. The summit disappearing in the clouds. The sunset reflecting the side of the mountain. The skiers making there way down. The water draining at the base of the mountain from melting snow. Searching for my team through my lens hoping I would see them. Praying for there safety. Finally falling asleep in the back seat of the car and waking up at 5 A.M. to the mountain gone. Thunder, lightening and rain all around me. Fear gripped my heart for my team. Were they still up there? The guides told us if it begins to lightening, we go down.
I went to the ski lodge. The doors were locked. I went to the hotel. The doors were locked. I drove to the upper parking lot and sat and waited. The weather made the mountain disappear. Until the storm passed it was like looking at just a parking lot at the base. And then they woke up. They were all around me. Parked on either side of me and I didn’t even realize it. They were evacuated at 1 A.M. Safe to the bottom but let me sleep. The dynamics of this team. Unquestionably the greatest. We united, happy to see one another. The summit still no where in site due to the storm. But we were all safe. Reunited, we moved past the moment and began the next phase.
Drawing awareness, telling our stories, sharing with the world. Believing in each other, why we do this, and helping each other through the disappointment of not summiting. Mapping out the next move, the next mountain, the next fundraiser, the next time we will all be together. Not a second, not a minute, hour, day, week, will ever be a waste to us. One hundred conversations, tears, laughter, togetherness for seven days. We are determined, driven and passionate.
Let there be no mistake; I chose not to go ahead with my team. They wanted me to try. They were all willing to help me get there. The guides would accommodate me. But my intuition overruled. The mountain stared down at me and told me no. I didn’t want anyone to put themselves out for me. They needed to climb with there own safety in mind. First and foremost, not to summit but to reach the bottom safely. I would have compromised this. It was not about reaching the top, it was about and still is, drawing awareness, raising funds.
We all have our mountains to conquer. Our fears to overcome. Our doubts and hopes and dreams to be understood. Passion drives us….love guides us.
The more we all unite, step up, get involved, the better the chances of helping our friends, our mom and dad, our sister or brother, our children, to have a better chance. And if those above battle these diseases, then a better chance at living a productive life. A chance to see it all through. I will join them again. Even if it is just at base camp. I won’t give up.

Together is One
World Up,
Strong Feather aka Eileen

मेसेज फ्रॉम Brett

2008-06-27T18:03:00.002-04:00

Hi all,
Sorry for the delay since I last wrote.

As you may know, I have taken some time off work, and I am travelling around South America. The last 2 months especially have been great preperation, for most of that time I have been above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). Most of my way through Bolivia, then living in Cusco for one month. To make sure I am in good form I did the Inca Trail, and then the hardest hike in Peru in the Cordillera Huaysh huaysh. Some of the hike included several passes over 5,000 meters (above the height of Mount Hood) and one night sleeping about 4,700 meters.

So, I am confident to say, that the altitude should not be a problem, and that I have done all I can fitness wise. Really, the rest is not up to me, the things we cannot control include ilness and weather.

I am looking forward to the challenge of helping the Regulars to another summit, and I hope you are all able to support our causes.

Speak to you after the climb!
Brett

Special Thanks Film Credits

2008-06-26T21:24:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

As many of you know, we began production on the documentary feature film series, "10 Mountains 10 Years", about our international team of mountain climbers to summit 10 of the world's greatest peaks to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. We will be filming in 7 countries and 6 continents, from Mont Blanc to Mount Everest. The films will track the greatest advances and climbs happening in the medical community alongside the team's climbs, the realities of the day-to-day lives of those personally afflicted, and the caretakers who stand beside them.

We are working in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and the Freddy Powers Foundation. This year, production crews are working together from New York, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, and California. We are currently in discussions with several celebrity narrators. International premiere and release in spring of 2009.

100% of the proceeds from the film will go directly to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's treatments and medical research to help bring us closer to a cure. The entire epic is being self-funded, through corporate sponsors, grants, donations, and the support of thousands of people around the world.

We are seeking your personal help to support the film by purchasing a "special thanks" credit. For $20, your name will appear in the end credits, making you a lasting part of this enormous endeavor. Such purchases will go toward production expenses to make this a reality.

Please visit: www.10mountains10years.com and click "Buy Film Credits".

This is a story of hope, the willingness of the human spirit to dream of something better, and the capacity of regular people from all walks of life to come together and change this world. The greatest view we will have from any summit is the view of who we become by doing it to help others.

30 million families worldwide are directly affected by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.

Please forward this on to everyone you know and post on your myspace and facebook pages.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read about this project. Hope you will assist us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Wishing you all the best!
Jen

The gloves are off....Focused, Strong, Ready!

2008-06-25T10:17:00.001-04:00

The gloves are off....Focused, Strong, Ready!

This is it. My last Blog until I return from the mountain.

I have spent the better of one year preparing my mind and my body for this endeavor I am about to undertake. But I feel I have waited a lifetime for my chance to make a difference, to make a statement, to stand up for what I believe in. One year of my life that I will never forget. All of the friendships I have made along the way. Here on Myspace, out in my life, because of the person I have become. For those who do not know me personally, I am very shy, quiet and humble. I have broken out of my shell and have gained the strength needed to do this and the faith expected to accomplish it.

I still remain ever thankful and loyal to those who have supported me, followed my journey, encouraged me, made me there inspiration, there hero, there friend. What it has done for me is beyond any words I can find. But you know I am going to try and find them because I owe it all to you to hear.

You all have made me stronger, empowered, heroic, inspirational, spiritually stronger,a better friend, a better mother, a better person. Everytime I receive a message from you or a comment from you my heart soars. I have been placed here for a reason. A reason that I understand to be one of making a difference. Something I have wanted to a very long time.

You have all played a role in my strength and determination. To the ones who have been here from the very beginning.......Jim, my inspiration for it all, Ken, my hero, Enzo, my mentor, my friend, my captain.....Kaz, my dearest and sweetest friend, Peter, my spiritual mentor, Mary, my sister from another mother, my hero, my strength,Ideliza, my sexita mamita, Kristin, my soul twin, Sandra, my best friend, Denise, my best friend. For Bill, Sue, Les, Maria, Belle, Jim, Alan, Shawn, Gabrielle, Gaylund,Darien, Dave, the entire Parkinson's and Alzheimer's community that I am involved with. All the others I have befriended along the way. Everyone of you have my utmost respect and love for all you have been made to endure and all that you continue to do to help find the cures so desperatly needed.

I have layed my gloves down. My training is done. I will spend the next few days connecting with my family and friends, packing, last minute shopping, meditating, praying, getting my house in order. I ask again for your prayers for myself and my teammates as we set out on July 2nd and climb and document our journey to the summit until July 4th. And when I come down I will sign on to Myspace and let you know how we all did.

Thank you from the inner most part of my soul and my heart for being here for me. For allowing me into your lives and hearts. I do this for all of you. I will walk for you, with you. I will make it all about you. I will pray for all of you as I walk and climb towards the summit. As long as God gives me the strength to do this I will endure.

Adios Bendiga
Peace, Love and Light

World Up!
A Trail Called Hope III
Strong Feather aka Eileen

20

2008-06-10T10:11:00.002-04:00

20 more days to.........

Kick it up another notch in training

Train at Black Belt Camp this weekend

Pull all my gear together

Check my checklist.....again

Put my ticket itinerary with my luggage

Contact Jen about the time she is arriving in Portland

Get my hair cut one more time

Call Enzo....again (sorry E, you know I will)

Talk to my family and friends before I leave

Print my Blog with all the well wishes

Meditate

Invest in some quiet time.....to reflect on this wonderful experience I have been handed
and all of the wonderful people I have met and am proud to call friends. Dear friends who I love. Who I will keep with me, very close, as I climb.

Get down on my knees with my boys before I leave and say a prayer that what I am about to embark on will make a difference. That I do this for them so in there lifetime they will not have to worry about these diseases.

And if you are reading this.........I pray too that these diseases will be cured. That I will have you all in my life forever. I do this for all of you. I will climb with my team but it is you I carry in my heart.

A Trail Called Hope III
July 2,3,4
Another one Down
World Up

Strong Feather

Thank You.

2008-06-09T16:22:00.002-04:00

Hey guys Matt here, I know it’s been awhile. First off I just want to thank anyone who stopped by on First Friday to visit my setup and hear me talk about The Regulars. The night was not that bad. Not as many people as I had hoped for, but those who did show up were generally interested. Out of everyone who showed up I think I talked to each of them for several minutes. The tough part about this is that you never know if anyone you talk too actually makes donations. The only way you can tell is by watching the funding pages…and they don’t look like they’re moving that much. However I did meet a lady who was very adament on donating, so told me about her son’s band who might be interested in helping out on the movie. http://www.myspace.com/boyinthebubble
On another note, the best part about preparing for a big trip like this is all the shopping! I swear I feel like a girl. Every other day some new piece of gear comes in the mail for me. It’s like Christmas everyday! I’m almost good to go gear-wise.
On even another note, a good friend of mine Ned helped me out on Friday talking to people and just getting people interested in the team. He’s really interested in helping us out next year. I’ve known him for five years and he has some truly amazing stories. He’s from Bolivia and he’s done some missionary work down in Voodoo country Africa. He says he would like to visit Argentina next summer. Even though it’s a long way away just tell him what’s up. http://www.myspace.com/nedscape
So I was on the phone with Enzo this morning. He brought up the fact that it’s already been almost three years since I met him on myspace. So much has changed in that time. I’ve moved back home from New York. I’ve injured my knee twice. I’ve lost my Grandfather. I’ve become an acting major. I’ve worked with a Private Investigator, at a bookstore and with children with special needs. And I’ve finally found my faith. Now it’s finally time that I join The Regulars above the clouds. Three years later I’ll be on Mt. Hood with Enzo and the rest of the team.
I’ve never really spoken about this but after I came home from New York I had some real problems. My life was great in NY, and then I moved back in with my parents, lost a lot of freedom. After going to art school, community college really sucks. My faith back then wasn’t really strong at all. I gained twenty pounds, and for a college kid with no girlfriend that is never a good thing. I felt like my life was not going well. I found my self really depressed. Angry at the world. Angry at God. But mostly angry with myself for coming home and not knowing why. Then my grandfather got sick. Really sick. All faith was shattered. I knew I had to come home for some reason but I could never figure out why. Then my grandfather died. My whole family felt it. I felt it extra strong because I was trying to stay strong for my family. I didn’t even cry until five months later. But the things my family experienced was unbelievable. Straight out of Touched By Angel or something. You wouldn’t believe me if I told you. Sometimes I find it hard to believe. But through my grandfathers final days my strength and love and faith in God was restored. I prayed for a way to set me back on my path, to help me realize why I had come home. Three days later Enzo asked me to join the team on Mt. Hood.
Ever since then everything has become better than ever before. My life has become a conduit for others to find their way through the darkness. You have no idea how many people have thanked me because I tell them my story and my experiences. That is the greatest gift one can ever receive. To know that your life is worth something to others. Now that I have devoted myself to things far greater than myself I have been blessed with so much. Here I am. 21 days away from my trip to Mt. Hood. Everything is falling into place. Thank you guys. Thank you team. Thank you Enzo. Thank you Grandpa. Thank you God. I know that I can do better and I promise that I will.

~Matt

TR

2008-06-05T19:24:00.003-04:00

Hey E Luv,

Here's a little collection of some recent shots of me on real rock. One set is from Tardos in Hungary (a small crag w/short sport routes), the other from my beloved Höllental (=Valley of Hell in German) in Austria, bw RAX and Schneeberg mountains, in the Grossofen region of the valley. It was a nice 9 or 10 pitch 330m route called Himmelsleiter (Stairway/Ladder to Heaven in German) tackled in threesome; funny names, huh? From hell all the way to heaven? :o)

No chance to get back to you guys on the new webpage: I was offline at the beginning of the week and had food poisoning (my vague idea is that the milk I drank on Monday night was to blame). Is it possible to send things after it's been launched? I know I still owe you that story from my winter course, for example, if that's the kind of thing you had in mind. Or I'll only post it on blogpost.

Are you getting crazy w/all the arrangement for the Mt. Hood climb? I so keep my fingers crossed for you guys! It's but a few weeks away! I'm excited for you :o)

Ciao
TR

The Long and Winding Road

2008-05-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

The Long and Winding Road.......no, not Paul McCartney at his finest

Just what lies ahead of me.
Not so much in my life but what I have left to do to prepare for my climb.
I loaded up my backpack and hit some trails yesterday. There were some inclines for me to go up and down. There was adjustments I had to make on my backpack to make it comfortable. There were water breaks and wiping sweat from my forehead times. There were even feelings of doubt racing throuigh my mind. But I had to stop and remind myself of how far I have come.

Just one year ago I could never have strapped that backpack on and even attempted this. So fast forward and there I was doing it.

My training is good. I train everyday. I rarely take a break. Guilt kills me, so in order not to feel that emotion I have chosen to train everyday. Maybe not everybody would have to do this but I have chosen to take this endeavor on as such because of my age and my limitations. Although I feel in very good shape and condition, I never put my guard down and expect to just do this without proper training. It has been a challenge but a challenge that has changed me and shaped me into a better person. If I could recommend anything in life to anyone it would have to be to exercise. It clears your head, it increases your stamina. In my case it has given me MUSCLES. Damn, the arms are bulging and the legs are tight. Still got that bubble butt though. Hey, can't have everything.

I kid around alot about the shape my body has taken on but in all honesty strength is the important thing here right now. I work constantly on my abs and lower back because of the load I will be carrying. I work till my legs feel like there going to fall off my body because of the unknown of climbing. I strengthen my arms with weights and machines with weights in order to accomplish everything on my own.

I have a great team. And I know they will all support me and help me if I falter on my way up. "And do you feel scared, I do, but I won't stop and falter" "Things can only get better" (Howard Jones)

So I am getting close to leaving for Oregon. I am anxious and excited. I'm asking for your prayers. No matter what happens "It's all Good"!!!!!! I leave June 30th. We begin to climb on July 2nd and will be reaching the summit on July 4th. When I reach the top I will reflect on all of my reasons and for all of the people I am there for. I will reach into the skies like I have said so many times before, to touch my angel mother and also to pray that God sees what we are doing and answers our prayers of finding these cures. I will have you all close to me and will remember every last one of you when I am there.

Please take a moment and stop by our website and donate. The dollar you donate could be the life you save.

www.theregulars.org

Also visit our Cafe Press store and purchase our merchandise.

www.cafepress.com/theregulars

And also visit our Blogspot and get to read about my other teammates.

www.10mountains10years.blogspot.com

World Up,
Strong Feather

VOS ES EGO

2008-05-06T17:53:00.002-04:00

Note to myself:

MONS MONTIS ERAM CONSTRUCTUM PES LIBERUM.
SUUS FATUM EST ENITOR.

EGO TRIBUO MEUS PERMANEO SPIRITUS ATQUI EGO SUM ETIAM ACCERSITUS EGO.
SOL SOLIS MOS NON EXSISTO DONATUS LUX LUCIS.

World up,
Enzo

Meeting up with Michael J. Fox & Ken Glowienke

2008-05-06T11:43:00.005-04:00

Sorry for the insanely long long long absence guys. There has been so much going on in the last few months. I’m so tired. I’ve just signed up for another Architecture Exam and need to fit studying into my schedule as well. I’ve even neglected my training for the last 6 weeks or so, but don’t worry I’ll get back in the saddle again ASAP to I can cannon ball it up Mount Hood with my team. I feel terrible to stay out of touch for so long. I really need to start digging back into my memory banks to write them down for you. But, before I dig back too far let me start with the past week.

It was pretty wild.

I really hate to miss work, because I feel like even being out one day puts me way too far behind. So being out on both Thursday & Friday this past week was really pushing my limits. I haven’t even told my bosses that I’ll be away for about 10 days in July while “the Regulars” climb Mount Hood and then shoot additional footage for the documentary.

So Wednesday night after work Jen (the Producer of the film documentary) drove up to Westchester County to begin a few days worth of background film footage on “the Regulars” team mates who live in and around my area. Ultimately it would be Eric, Dan Tyler & I. She & Eric met up with me in Mount Kisco for dinner which was pretty fun. I hadn’t seen Jen since we left Ecuador in September 2007. Eric on the other hand was lucky enough to fly out to California about 2 weeks ago and visited with Jen for a day. We actually called it a night pretty early (at least by my standards) because we needed to get up early for shooting the film the following morning.

Thursday, we got up and headed down to the center were my mom is cared for during the day but were asked if we could reschedule to Friday morning. No huge problem there just a matter of coordination. So, Jen and I headed down to New York City. All the way downtown is the Michael J. Fox Foundation Headquarters, and we were scheduled to stop in for filming backgrounds in the offices. It was great to actually see the inner workings of such a fantastically driven organization. We met so many of the people we had previously only spoken t on the phone or traded emails with. While filming in the offices Jen stopped short at one point and said “Hey that’s us”…I was wondering what she was talking about and then I saw the banner we had carried to the top of the Volcano Cotopaxi during the last expedition climb. It had all our signatures on it just as was the last time we saw it. Actually you can see it in the MySpace Trail Called Hope II – Ecuador photo album. As it turns out, hanging just under that banner was the A Trail Called Hope - I – Mont Blanc banner with all those signatures on them (also in the appropriate MySpace A Trail Called Hope – I - photo album). It was wild to see that they were being saved and hanging there one after the other.
Although my hope is that cures are found very shortly….I’m committed to carry on with all our expeditions right on through to Everest in 2015 if the cures have not been found. And I’m sure they’ll keep piling up the banners right on top of each other, one year after the next.

Later on that afternoon we headed North to Putnam County where we filmed Eric at work coaching his all girl high school soccer team. The girls team is actually the Regulars very first “Street Team”. They held a charity soccer tournament for us this past fall. Jen and I collected a bunch of great footage here and the girls were as funny and talented to watch as they usually are. We were keeping our fingers crossed on the way up there because the sky was supposed to rain on us, but it held out. As it turns out it even made the sky look pretty extreme to the camera’s eye. The producer should be getting some great images in that session.

Following this we headed back South to my parents house in Westchester County, where the producer wanted to collect footage of my parents at the tail end of a typical day. All I can say is that it was a challenge to keep my mom (with Alzheimer’s) from ignoring us like she was supposed to.

On Friday morning Jen & Eric woke up early and headed back to my parents house (which is coincidentally just down the road from Eric’s house). It was time to document the early portion of my mom’s day, so we headed back down to the center to drop my mom off for the day. Jen got some pretty emotional footage while there.
Friday night Jen the producer, Jen my wife and I drove back down into Manhattan, for the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Team Fox MVP Dinner. It was a great time. We shot some footage, took some photos, and met up with a bunch of new and old friends (and warriors). Big Ken & Ann Glowienke from “Focus on a Cure” were both there as always. We sat together for dinner with Dave MacNiven & Dana Barden (a few of the MJFF / Team Fox directors). As many of you already know…Ken and Ann are the masters when it comes to coming up with ideas for events, and how to orchestrate them. Ken is also one of the very first of the Team Fox Teams to evolve up the ladder so to speak by pushing to create his very own 501c3 charity, which is an accomplishment in itself. “The Regulars” are actually just now beginning this process to become a 501c3 as well. Although a 501c3 is not recommended for everyone to go through, in our case given the on-going aspect of our charity it is helpful.

The foundation premiered their new Promotional Video which was great. By the looks of it …if they didn’t show every single person who organized a charity event for them in 2007 – they came pretty close to it. I got a chance to meet some of the other people featured in the promo film like…Katie Clark, Gary D. Leith, Roy & Sharon Greif, Katie Heteji. These people have all set very high standards and have raised the bar on great accomplishments in fund raising. For example Mr. Leith raised more than $100,000 last year, and Mr. & Mrs. Greif raised over $70,000. The Katie’s were both driven and imaginative & innovative with their ideas which I really hope they expand on in the coming years!

I feel like such a beginner next to them, but you know what I wouldn’t have it any other way at the moment. Every day I learn more and get better at raising awareness and funds for research, and all the things which I don’t yet know drive me to learn more and improve. So …one step at a time I’ll get there.

I also met a few people at the MJFF – Team Fox MVP Dinner who said they just might even consider climbing on my team at some point down the line, which is fantastic. Parkinson’s is a global problem, so team mates can come from anywhere people live. The world is the arena. In this war against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease we’re not here to take prisoners; we’re here to set them free.

There are ton’s of people helping Team Fox to raise funds for research now and there are so many ways to get involved in raising awareness and funds. The limit’s are endless. People try athletic events, cooking, dancing, you name it. But I’ve got to say that for as many people there are stepping up to the plate to swing at knocking these diseases out of existence….there are still not enough.
If everyone does a little, much can be done, but only you can take the first step to take action. The world will not hold your hand on this, and that’s part of the challenge because you’re getting involved may not be easy. In the end when cures are found, the reward is in knowing you played a part in helping to find them.

So back on track, we were basically off of filming on Saturday. I had my niece’s first communion to go to most of the day, and Jen went out on a hike with Eric.

Sunday, we got back to our filming schedule and headed out to the back country (if that’s what you can call it in Westchester County). Jen, Eric & I met up with Dan & Tyler to do some training out on the trails in Pound Ridge Reservation, while Jen maneuvered around us getting a little more background footage for the film documentary. It was a great time.

Anyway with all that being said…there is still so much more to be done. This week I start to record some music which may be considered by the production company for use in the soundtrack of the documentary, so I’ve got to find a little time to get into the studio and begin crafting.

But for now, I’ve got to get back to work.

World up,
Enzo

Through the Eyes and Heart of an Advocate

2008-04-29T14:11:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was a very special day for me. I brought together my team "Jim's Gems" for the second year in a row to New York City for the Parkinson's Unity Walk. I formed this team to honor one of my best friends Jim who has Young Onset Parkinson's Disease. He continues to inspire me and encourage me in my efforts to help find a cure. Without his support I would not be where I am. And that is a more active Advocate for my causes. I have walked 3 days/60 miles two years in a row for Breast Cancer. I have walked six years in a row for Multiple Sclerosis. I have walked two years in a row for Parkinson's Disease. And now my biggest endeavor to date is my effort to climb Mt. Hood in Oregon this July for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease with "The Regulars".

I have been on all sides of the fence. I have been a caregiver to both of my parents. My mother battled heart disease and lung cancer on top of a rare blood disorder. My dad battled heart disease, had several mini strokes and just lost his will to live when my mom passed away. I cared for them both in my home while raising my boys who were just babies and my oldest who was 16. Along with my husband we cared for my parents in every way possible that you would care for someone that was ill. I will never forget this time nor will I ever wish it never happened. It was a time in my life when everything was right and made sense. When I lost both of my parents, which was within seventeen months of one another, my life crashed. But.....I rose abve and began a new journey. My journey of advocacy.

I know I can't begin to understand all diseases and what each one does to an individual. But what I do know is that my heart breaks knowing that people I love are fighting and people I have loved lost the fight. My hands are tied when someone says to me do you know what that disease is all about. No, I don't. I educate myself through books and Blogs and emails. I listen to those that have these diseases. I try to place myself in there shoes. The saying goes..."You can't walk the walk unless you talk the talk". This may be true in some incidences. But I believe an advocate is put into a different role. A role of caring for those that are looking for someone to give them hope that there are people who care enough to go the extra mile to help raise the funds to help find a cure.

I have said it before and I will say it another thousand times over......I will walk with you, for you, next to you, for my children, your children, there children. As long as God gives me the strength and the courage to pursue whatever avenue need be to raise the money, to draw awareness. I will be the shoulder you can lean on when you feel all is lost. Never will I let you feel that. An advocates heart is huge. As I know all caregivers hearts are also and all the ones who have to live everyday with these diseases. We are all in this together, there is no mistaken this. We join hands, hearts, souls to become one and find the cures.

Thank you all for giving me this opportunity to help. For making me feel important in your life. I thank God everyday for putting me in this role. For giving me the opportunities that have presented themselves to me. On behlaf of Jim's Gems and The Regulars......thank you for all of your support!!!!!!

There is still time to donate:

http://www.unitywalk08.kintera.org/jimsgems

OR:

http://www.theregulars.org

click on the links at the bottom of the home page for Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

World Up!
Eileen - aka........Strong Feather

Coppersmiths Success

2008-04-10T17:37:00.004-04:00

Guys…

"The Regulars" Coppersmith’s Bar Event (April 5th. 2008) was a great success I have to thanks everyone who came out for us! But, first let me start out by thanking my Street Team; Stephen, Chris, Brian, Marsha, Carmelita & Deepak. They did a massive job at coordinating the venue, creating and sending the Evites, checking the door as people came in, the whole 9 yards.

I know it was going to be an unusual night to start with and it was. I thought it was going to be raining, and the weather actually cleared up nicely to make it a great night.

There were 3 people from this years Mount Hood 2008 Team there including Eileen & Eric.

I had some of my friends from MySpace turn out – who I never met before. Red came out (you can find her in my second top friend spot)! Sandra also came up from Jersey to make sure that Eileen didn’t get out of control!

We had Alicia from the Alzheimer’s Association come down with one of her friend’s who I might ad is a hugely accomplished photographer & writer!

We had 4 beautiful Alzheimer’s research scientists come out from NYU.

Brad from the Dewey Knights came out with a friend of his. Some of my relatives came out!

There were people from Facebook.

There were ton’s of people from Hoboken.

All in all there were probably more than a hundred people there.

It was a great time, with a lot of positive energy for 2 great causes – Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s.

I wish more of you could have come out, but there will be more opportunities in the future.

Check the MySpace photo album & the Facebook photo album over the next few days for photos!

World up,
Enzo

Coppersmith Event Tonight...more to come later

2008-04-05T17:44:00.003-04:00

Hey it’s going to be an interesting night for the Regulars on the whole which I’ll write more about later during the week, so check back in on us.

I’ll tell you a little bit about what’s happening tonight but first let say that we have just officially started our fund raising effort for 2008. If you’d like to make a tax deductible donation to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation please click through on the following links.

Alzheimer’s Association:
https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=264554&lis=1&kntae264554=0BA67734AAF04C1EACB88374C000ABCE&supId=182059088

Michael J. Fox Foundation (Team Fox):
http://www.teamfox.org/siteapps/personalpage/ShowPage.aspx?c=mqITL0PHJtH&b=3944179&sid=ahJPJ0NGJhJMJXNzGmE

On behalf of more than 30 Million people world wide suffering with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease I ask for your support in the form of a donation to one or both foundations!

Research is fueled by donations from Regular people just like you and I. We all have a hand to play in bringing down these two giant diseases.

Now just a quick heads up, tonight the Regulars Street Team 2008 has put together a social event which will be held at Coppersmiths in Manhattan. Steve, Chris, Brian, Marsha, Carmelita & Deepak have really done a fantastic job coordinating this whole event. We will be using the proceeds to create a new 501c3 charity corporation so that in the coming years the Regulars can pull out all the stops and raise more funds for research than we could have ever hoped for as little band of climbers. This is going to prove to be great over the next few years...I can feel it.

Tonight we’ll have more than a hundred people showing up. There will be people coming who I have not seen since I was in college. There will be people I have never met coming from MySpace, and from Facebook. There will be people I’ve never met coming from the Alzheimer’s Association and very possibly the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Of course, there will also be people I’ve known for years, and if you keep you’re eyes out you’ll even see one of my new & old team mates as the Regulars turn out!

It’s going to be a wild - wild - wild time, and my thanks goes out to all who attend! You will be helping us step into a much greater and more productive arena from which to battle Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s!

World up,
Enzo

Weights and machines and that padded floor thing

2008-04-01T11:08:00.000-04:00

Six days a week, lifting, stretching, walking, sweating, meditating, preparing. Laundry, kids, carpooling, grocery shopping, cleaning, working. And on the seventh day I rested. Yeah right! But it’s all good and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Had to mention, cut consumption of coffee down to 80%. Before you know it coffee will just be a memory. But oh, what a memory. It has been my pick-me-up, my comfort zone, my go to when there is no where else to go to, my best friend on a rainy day, my survey drink of choice, my writing partner. But hey, who has time anyway to even drink coffee yet alone stress about it. There is just too much to do now. The focus is on the goal, the cause, the outcome. I am pushing myself to the limit and beyond. So I believe I am. I talk about it only when you address me. I keep to myself, but if you approach me and want to talk, I will talk your ear off. I have always been behind the scenes, shy, introverted person. I have come into my own over the last several years. I guess better later then never. I have a voice and I am using it.

I have strong convictions, and desires to make a difference in peoples lives. To open myself up to everyone that needs that hug or that reassuring talk to get them through there day. Training for my climb has changed me. Not a whole lot because I have been an advocate and caregiver for most of my life. Just internally grounded more because of what lies ahead. The strong, strong feelings I get knowing that I am making a difference and the hope for a cure is right there. The group I am involved with. the Regulars, how amazing to have been called up for this. But I was and not a minute in my life I am not thinking about it.

I guess some will view me as slightly cracked for feeling these desires about the whole thing and others will respect me for what I do. I have come to the conclusion it is not for anyone to judge me or why I do the things I do. I am a good mother to my boys and they support me. They push me when I am moving too slow getting out the door to the gym. Hoping one of them will say, "Come on Mom, stay home today and rest". I know my boys are mine when they say, "Get to the gym, you’re climbing a mountain". It sounds kind of funny seeing it in writing but it is what motivates me. I want my boys to look up to me, well, actually my 6’3" son I have to look up to, to emulate me, to be proud of me. They all exhibit strong qualities. I push them to be there best.

I center my life around these boys of mine. I want a world free of disease and for cures to be found for them. I want them not to worry about what my generation has been made to worry about. I want them to see that anybody can step up to the plate. Ok, ok, I know you’re thinking what the hell am I talking about. I can’t save the world. I can’t cure diseases. I can’t even climb a mountain......yet. My point is, strength in numbers yields more positive results. You can do anything in this life if you apply yourself and you move forward with it. We may be a small group of people climbing but the network we build behind us is enormous. "Together is One". Voices heard yield to more peoples ears to become opened and then step up to the plate and find the cures and the correct research and even the theories behind preventing these diseases.

That’s all. I’m doing ok with my training and even my lack of coffee, oh and chocolate. Back to the gym tonight and tomorrow night and the night after that. But like I said before.......It’s all good!!!!!!

World Up!
Eileen - Strong Feather
Mt. Hood - ’08

I Fly Like Paper...

2008-03-28T18:12:00.000-04:00

For these past three months my record on a bike was 12 1/2 miles in 45 min. Today I brought that up to 17.8 miles. Big difference. Also I can defiantly feel my knee getting stronger. However, now that I’m through with the bike for today I really don’t feel like working out. Just cause I’m lazy. The only exercise I like doing is bench-press and I think that’s just because I get to lie down. I hate when I get lazy like this. I always need some kind of inspiration. So I figured I’d write a blog about getting inspired.
The following list is a list of things that inspire me. I left people off this list because there’s too many. So this list is full of “things” that inspire me.
WARNING!!! THIS LIST CONTAINS THINGS THAT INSPIRE ME AND MIGHT NOT INSPIRE YOU BUT GET YOU SCARED INSTEAD. SO EXPLORE THIS LIST AT YOUR OWN RISK!!!

Movies
• The Descent- Hot girls get trapped in a cave and fight cave creatures. (Inspiring!)
• Sunshine- Makes me want to be an astronaut, visit the sun, and save people.
• Touching The Void (documentary)- Your worst nightmare happens to Joe Simpson! He’s left for dead in a cave, which is located in the middle of a mountain! This is how he survived and climbed/crawled his wall out with no food or water, only a broken leg.
• Long Way Round (documentary)- Ewan McGregor and his best friend Charlie Boorman travel around the world on motorcycles.
• First Ascent (documentary)- The director travels around the world looking for the best boulderers and rock/mountain climbers to find their own first ascents.
• And pretty much anything else on the National Geographic and Travel Channels.
• …WARNING! Do not watch Vertical Limit! Horrible movie. But that’s what got me interested in rock climbing. Vertical Limit and the opening scene in Mission Impossible 2 where Tom Cruise free climbs a huge freakin’ wall!

Books
• Jupiter’s Travels by Ted Simon- The ultimate travel guide to the world. Although he took his four year journey back in the 70’s, people haven’t changed.
• Long Way Round by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman- If you liked the film and Jupiter’s Travels you’ll love this book.
• Dispatches From The Edge by Anderson Cooper- This man’s entire life is devoted to telling the stories that America never hears.
• God Grew Tired of Us by John Bul Dau- The true story of one of the Lost Boys of Sudan and how he made it to America.
• Notes from My Travels by Angelina Jolie- Basically a diary of her trips to Africa, Cambodia, Pakistan and Ecuador.

Climbing Music
• Lonely Soul by UNKLE
• We Can’t Wait Any Longer by Michael W. Smith
• Laugh, I Nearly Died by The Rolling Stones
• Mass Destruction ((P*Nut & Sister Bliss Mix)) by Faithless
• I Have A Dream by Common ft. Will I Am
• KOYAANISQATSI by Philip Glass
• Metamorphosis Five (Philip Glass cover) by Aleck Karis
• …too many songs to name. But anything by Delerium, Bonobo, B-Tribe, Cat Empire, Baul Dimension, Mogwai, Nina Simone (dope), Thievery Corp., Trans-Global Underground and Quantic.
• Paper Planes by M.I.A. was one of the last songs the DJ played at the Lime light on the night of my birthday. Now it’s been stuck in my head for over a week.

Well…now it’s time to go work out.

Eileen - Mean Lean Fighting Machine - Update

2008-03-19T08:16:00.001-04:00

Don’t let the title of my Blog mislead you. This I am not......yet. So I thought I would let you all know how my training was coming along for Mt. Hood. I am training six days a week in the gym under the guidance, on occasions, of a personal trainer. Also walking now up to six miles two, three times a week now that the weather is nicer. My cousin, who is my chiropractor, also has a gym attached to his practice that he has given me access to for training. The personal trainer also comes gratis per my cousin. I am very fortunate to have this and I am always thanking him for it. My trainer has already upped and changed my program twice. During the times that I am working on said program I also up weights and reps on my own. Along with my trainer comes two other trainers in the gym who are very inspiring to me to say the least. They push me, stretch me and encourage me. What a great group of peope I have in my camp right now.

Am I sore? Hell yeah. Very sore at times. I just seem to ignore it and keep pushing myself. I have one day off a week from training. I don’t rest, still have a family and a house to keep up. My life is very, very busy but I am loving all of it.

I am getting quite the education through this whole process. It’s amazing how many different exercises you can do for one part of your body. Just for instance, your abs. I have felt pain in all different parts of my stomach that I have never felt before. I train in the martial arts so you would think I wouldn’t be having this problem. And your arms. Triceps, biceps.....pain, pain, pain. Right down to my hands. But hell, you should see my arms and abs right now. Kind of have a four pack going on in my abs and my arms are, let’s just say...strong. But, I am 50 not 20 so I think the slammin body thing I was hoping for may not happen. It’s all good though. Need a "STRONG BODY" and a "STRONG MIND" to reach the top and that is my focus.

As always, I am pushing myself for many. Not just for personal gain. My goal is the summit, my heart’s desire is cures. Our voice needs to be heard. Climbing mountains, walking 60 miles, soft walking for the cure, running, biking, fund raising, your voice, your passion, your drive, your determination. It all counts!!! I walk, I climb, I fundraise, I support because I love all of you and pray for all of you and hope tomorrow brings us word of a breakthrough. Well, today is a new day and it is early and I unexpectadly got a day off so off to the gym I go. NO PAIN......NO GAIN!!!

Peace, Love and light,
Together is One,
Eileen - Strong Feather
The Regulars - Mt. Hood July 2,3,4

Matt's New Myspace

2008-03-15T15:00:00.004-04:00

Well guys I turn 21 on the 20th. I can't wait! I know being apart of this team means that theres alot of people looking up to us and viewing our profiles. Well I figured it wouldn't be good if people think "hey lets check out these regulars guys" and then see a profile pic of me passed out on a lawn somewhere. not a good marketing techinque. So I decided to just make myself a new profile for anything and everything related to The Regulars. I just set up the account today so it's still "under construction" but I will have it pimped out like my other profile soon enough. Go add me if I haven't added you already. ~Matt

http://www.myspace.com/lifecrux

Bretts first Volcano since Chimborazo

2008-03-12T11:35:00.001-04:00

Hi, so i'm now in Pucon, which is a really nice village in the heart of the Chilean Lake District. I have been here for three days after a couple of days at Puerto Varras and Valdiva. This is my favourite place in the Lakes, as per usual its stunning, with Villarica Volcano dominating evertything, and the town itself is very nice. The first day we climbed the volcano (2,870 meters), we had a perfect day and the view from the top was spectacular. Yesterday we went for a bike ride to another lake, again it was beautiful with view of several volcanos along the way. The Chilean Lake District was colonised by the Germans, so its got a lot of good chocolate, beer and really nice architecture (when it hasn't been destroyed by earthquakes). As Pucon is at the base of the most active volcano in Chile, everything is prepared for an eruption. A number of times a day, sirens go off. One siren means its 12pm, 2 means its a fire, and if its 3, its an eruption - you get quiet nervous when its two. In case of an eruption they have signs telling people where to go in order to avoid the lava flow. I've met some great people, a few americans and the girls that work at the hostel are really nice and easy-going.

So far the trip has been fantastic. I struggled at the beginning to keep to budget, i'm so used to eating and living pretty well that its hard to cut down, I would eat out all the time and not really think about spending money. Also Southern Patagonia is very expensive, now the Lake District is a little cheaper, I just bought a ticket all the way to Santiago (8 hours in good seats) for $20 - amazing. Travelling alone hasn't been a problem, I find that the easiest way of meeting people is in the refuges, so it is very important to pick the right one. Anyay, tonight i'm off to Santiago, so i'll wirte soon.

Brett

Leaving Something Better Behind

2008-03-09T21:01:00.002-04:00

Hey guys, it’s Jen.

From Enzo’s network of contacts, we started receiving photos from people all over the country – photos of their loved ones that we will honor in our movie. It has had an effect on me that is very hard for me to articulate.

Before I started this project with The Regulars, I had never personally known anyone battling Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s…. I just wanted to help… I believe that if every person in the world gives an extra hand, even when it doesn’t directly relate to them, we can lift the world to a better place.

Maybe through us telling this story to the person next to us, or with an audience across an ocean, something personal can happen. Just as the photos did, to me. The “30 million people” statistic will no longer just be an indistinct statistic. Maybe it can become something very tangible for others to understand. A specific voice. A specific moment. The courage in a person’s eyes, that will make it more meaningful for more to fight for what’s next. Maybe it will inspire one extra person to apply to med school to research these diseases next year...encourage one extra person to extend an understanding to a stranger…let a caregiver know that he or she is not alone in the fight. That, we’re in this together. And we will see these diseases defeated, together.

We may never fully know how much our efforts will personally reach others in an ongoing ripple effect. But we will know that we did what we could.

God knows, we will leave something better behind.

Eileen's Video Blog

2008-03-03T15:29:00.001-05:00

Honor your Family & Friends with Alzheimer's & Parkinson's

2008-03-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,

If you have Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s in your Family please read this entire post !!!

Honor your Friends and Family.

I have a really beautiful opportunity for you all to honor your parents, friends, sisters, brothers who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s disease. If you’ve personally been impacted by Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s this is a great way to honor your own life as well.

If you recall a few months ago I had asked you for photos of these people you care for so I could use it in something I personally wanted to create for you.
But, since then the opportunity to take this idea to a much much much larger scale has presented itself.

As you may (or may not) know a Back Light Productions from Los Angeles is filming a feature film documentary on “the Regulars” and our efforts to raise awareness and funds to conquer Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. There are some big hopes for the film. We are currently working on celebrity narrators (who I can’t mention but you know who they are). If my team can successfully reach the summit of Mount Hood this coming 4th of July…the film could possibly be completed by November 2008. The idea for it at that point is to release it (possibly) at Sundance Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival (NYC), Banff Outdoor Mountain Film Festival, or the Toronto Film Festival…then move it onto some of the various cable networks, like Discovery, Health, PBS, ESPN, etc.

How can you be involved?

You all know that I have always been inclusive in nature and I love nothing more than to share all of my experiences with you and have you share yours with me - and this is no different.

Honor your friends and family in the film!
We want you to be a part of this journey with “the Regulars”.

The producer of the film and I have come up with an idea for a retrospective montage introduction to the film in which old photos and video clips of you or your relatives with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s will visually weave throughout the introduction of the film.

The important thing is that the pictures need to be taken when they were at a point in life when they were still not affected by these diseases.
For example,
when they were kids,
teens,
college age,
young professionals (or parents when you were young),
etc.
Just as long as the photos were taken in the years before Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s were a part of their lives. They could be posed photos. They could be candid. They could be holiday photos, playing sports, instruments, working on the job, anything, you name it….but the focus of the photo should be clearly they person you want to honor.
In other words if there are tons of people in the photo or the person is so far away you can’t make their face out clearly…it won’t do very well to show your loved one to the world. You really want people to make a connection with your friend or relative while they were in the most perfect state of life.

You can also send video clips from old family movies (which will need to be US Mailed as opposed to emailing the photos).

So, with that being the idea, if you would like to honor the life of your family or friends with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s please follow the following instructions:

Email your photos in JPG file format to the following email address:
backlightprod@gmail.com

Please make sure the files or of the best quality possible. You might need to go have your photos professionally scanned or have a friend do it for you to make sure they were between 200 and 300 DPI and possibly around 8x10 in size that would be fantastic.
Small low quality photos might not be usable in the film so make them the best quality possible.
Also include a brief written description of who is in the photograph and their relationship to you. Also include your own contact information (Name, address, phone number, email), so they can contact you if they need to ask anything.

If you’re mailing a Video or DV tape via US Mail send it to:
Back Light Productions
3805 Lupine Lane
Suite “H”
Calabasas, CA 91302

After you’ve done one or both of the above…..then email me to say “hi” and to let me know that you send in some photos / video for “the Regulars” film.

Let’s make this happen my friends! The more inspiring we make this film just may help tip the scales in raising awareness & funds needed to conquer Alzheimer’s disease & Parkinson’s disease.

World up,
Enzo
10 Mountains – 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure)
Alzheimer’s disease / Parkinson’s disease

A hike and a bike

2008-03-01T16:15:00.004-05:00

Hi Everyone! This is Cy a.k.a "Master Ill Com" reporting. I am a first year teacher in Philadelphia, PA. I teach inner city high school math, and I am studying at Drexel for my master's degree. As a team member of A Trail Called Hope I, Mont Blanc, I was looking forward to being a part of ATCH II, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. Unfortunately, the timing did not work for me, and I had to sit on the sidelines....blehh...the worst feeling ever!!

A few weeks ago I sat here feeling very doubtful that I could be a part of A Trail Called Hope III. This coming summer is the summer that I will be cycling cross country, and I was worried that I won't be able to complete both goals if I committed to both. Once again the timing loomed over my head. There's considerable risk of incompletion...what if I need to be back teaching in philly and I'm stuck in Kentucky? I have to be in tip-top shape before getting there...able to climb hills with no problem....cycle 90 miles a day...with 35 pounds of touring gear stacked on the bike...and able to do this on a daily basis! Another issue is being able to finance everything. For the bike ride I am going to need a touring bike, bike racks, panniers to load the gear, ultra light gear, food, maps, and a laptop so I can continue my classes while touring (I'm taking online courses). The climb will add the guiding fees to that.

I actually told Enzo a few times that I won't be able to do it. My mind kept saying, "NO WAY", but I hated the thought that I would miss another climb with my team. For weeks, I kept battling with this thought, but Enzo's "never give up" attitude and Brett's insatiable charm (ladies beware!) is what did it, and I finally realized that I can't miss out on this.

And as soon as I committed to doing both, the most remarkable thing happened. My confusion and uncertainty turned into excitement and enthusiasm. My thoughts on the slim chance of success was completely overturned with anticipation of the greatest summer of my life! I utterly can't wait and, I truly feel that this is exactly what I should be doing.

So this summer, my plan is to complete both. I will be a part of A Trail Called Hope III, and after a succesful climb on Mount Hood, I will complete a cross country bike ride in 49 days.

Here's to making memories, and finding a way to keep them.

Sincerely,
Cy

The Shield

2008-02-29T01:00:00.003-05:00

Click to Enlarge the Image (above).

Doctors Say What?

2008-02-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

My attempt at a video blog.

Csaba - the 24 hour mountainbike champion

2008-02-24T15:55:00.004-05:00

It's high time I write you, so, here is my "winter story".

Well, it all started, when it was about time to finish my mastercourse, as an architect - my life suddenly became overloaded, and I just couldn't create the balance I always could. Besides the university, this riding thing actually started to work.

After becoming the 24-hour mountainbike champion with my team mate (in the duo category) in september, serious teams became quite interested in me - so, i switched my team (the old one was not working at all, so I had really no motivation to remain there) to GSK, (which originates from my highschool town; as a sidenote).

So, I got a new bike, a road "speeder" for my winter training period, "handcrafted in Italy", just for me. ;-)

She is the one:

http://www.heartofwinter.atw.hu/Mtb/mata.jpg

http://www.heartofwinter.atw.hu/Mtb/mata2.jpg

Of course, the feeling of such high expectations also pressed me harder to do my daily trainings with more vigor - be it snow, ice, wind...who cares? But things worked out differently - after one training, I snapped the side ligament in my right knee - an injury that got me bedbound for 3 weeks.

As it actually happened, when I was trying to enter our front gate (on foot!), and I slipped on the ice, it is kind of ironic, that all my trainings were suddenly put to stake, because of such a stupid accident. Fortunately I healed up pretty quickly, and - besides - I have also graduated the mastercourse (~PHD or ~DLA) so I have became (or should became in weeks) a "lead architect".

Riding is ok now, as winter suddenly came to a halt here - today it was 16 C degrees with sunshine (normally it's April weather...).

I had to miss the winter mountaineering course with Adrienn, bacause of the inability of my boss (a dork...) to cope with "unexpected" holydays. But asking for a mere week 2 months in advance? Unexpected...my ass. :-) Maybe next time.

I have got to go now, I am quite tired, and still need to fix my mountainbike...as of yet, it's nothing more than a pile of parts and bolts. :-)

Ciao,Csab

"the Regulars"

A Trail Called Hope - I - Mont Blanc - 2006

Time Gives & Time Steals

2008-02-22T02:36:00.003-05:00

This computer screen was black, and every stroke cuts away at the dark.
I was wondering what I might tell you this week, what was on my mind and then I went to type and it all went blank.
My fingers start moving and white letters start subtracting away from this void that was this computer screen, and it re-teaches me that even if I’m not sure where I’m going, what I’m doing or what I want to say, just starting breeds accomplishment.
The screen was blank only a moment ago, and with time now the letters are beginning to spell progress.

There is so much to say, but how do I say it and where do I begin? What have I been up to in the last few months on up to this very week?
Rest? No, not really.

It’s a blur on the inside, and the only thing I’m sure of is that I will keep trying.
I guess that’s the key, isn’t it?
"Trying"

My wife is wondering what I’m doing now, that seems to be more important than laying down to watch TV with her.

I have so much to do ...like everyone else.
My situation is not so different. We all feel like we’re overloaded sometimes. Life is the spider web we always seem to find ourselves tangled in. I am not independently wealthy so I need to keep working my day job. I am only an apprentice so I need to keep studying until my architecture exams have all been passed.
It is a bit of a guilty feeling, stealing my focus from concentrating on one thing at a time but I have never really done one thing at a time.
All through out life it has always been multitasking for me. It makes me slower...yes I know, but in the end I believe I have learned so much more through the experiences of running myself ragged, as I have become more rounded. Time is part of the journey. Until then I will remain an apprentice and keep inching ahead.
On my back there is a tattoo which is written in Latin. Part of it says "TU ES ULTIMUS FINIS" which translates loosely to "You are your own ultimate challenge". This can also be taken to mean that "the race is always with yourself". In my race if slow and steady is what works best for me, then that’s the speed I need to keep in order to succeed.

What else have I been up to? Hummm let me see.

One of my relatives has worked hard all through life and has helped me at points through mine, so I have been drawing plans for his vacation home on Grand Cayman. It’s beautiful. When I tell you it’s a castle...I’m not lying. It really is. There is currently one castle-like home on the island, and his goal is to build one which is even more romantic and still have the aire of a stone fort from the old days.
I have also been drawing plans for my brothers home addition. He and his wife are expecting a baby any day now and the should really have a little more room for the family to grow. I’m sure when the plans are approved my family (all my uncles and some of my cousins) will be there on occasion to drive nails into the backdrop of the stage being set on a new life for a little someone we haven’t even met yet.

I am a firm believer that you can give to friends and family but you should try never to take, so when ever possible family works for family - for free. They can always use a hand with things and I believe it should always be made unconditionally available to them. Doing this does of course move my life ahead at a somewhat "slower pace" then it could go if I would abandon everything which is extracurricular in life to focus on my own family. Even though this would absolutely simply family life in my own home...it will never happen. Doing so means leaving these people to fend for themselves at the hands of a stranger when by a little effort of my own their goals can be reached and then enjoyed.

Let me see, there must be something else which has been keeping me so busy lately.
Ah....

I’ve also been researching an idea for a business of my own. Strangely enough it’s not architecture. Even more strange is that the architecture I may seem to abandon after pursuing it through the last 23 years - will still be there for me in this business. Maybe I’ll burn the bridges behind me and force myself to move ahead with it sooner than I think. I love the idea and I work a little more at it every night, dividing the time between studying, & drawing. Someday soon it will happen.

I’ll make it happen.
But, it is a bit of a guilty feeling stealing my focus away from a commitment to do my part in helping to conquer Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s disease.

I’m sure I’ve said it a hundred times before, but I really wish there was someone to give me advice when it comes to what needs to be done next with our charity efforts. This is not such a simple world to maneuver through even when your goal is simply to raise awareness and funds to help conquer Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

It started out as one climbing expedition to "The Wettest Place on Earth". It was a mountain called Wai’ale’ale, and it had not been reached on foot for more than 28 to 30 years. That wasn’t a big goal was it? In the midst of all the emotion I was feeling there in the jungle, I thought, "Damn, this hurts! But you know what? I think I can do this again, and again until a cure is found". My friend Ken and I fell short of reaching the summit, but in this failure was born the idea for the 10 Mountains - 10 Years (a quest for the cure) project. As a bonus we did play a roll in helping two other climbers to reach the summit only one day later, but that’s a story for another time.

Even though I decided to link 10 years worth of charity climbing expeditions together in this newer bigger project I still thought it would be simple. Climb mountains & Conquer these diseases.
What a surprise I had.

It was like discovering all the intricacies I already knew went into designing the dream house and country estate for someone wealthy enough to want a simple life away from the city. The interesting thing is that the simple life takes a lot of thought, planning and work ahead of time. It’s not simple for everyone involved in making it seem that way.

My simple expeditions have become lesson upon lesson, laced with trial and error, tough luck, and stubborn determination.
Organizing an expedition, meant learning everything possible about your mountain, your gear, your route, the logistics, etc. It meant collecting a team and having patience enough to sift through all the people who say they want to climb with you, then back out at the last minute. It’s funny because at times I might have 2 dozen people who all want to be a part of the action for the charity on the mountain. They come across as so hard core serious about doing it, then one after the next they fall off the bandwagon for a thousand different reasons and excuses. Some just don’t even bother to tell me they are no longer following through on their promise to be a part of the team’s effort. I used to get mad it the lack of commitment, following the heavy "I am so serious for this" facade. Now I have learned that people just break sometimes, and they can’t be faulted for it.
Lucky for me, I have collected some good team mates who have come out time and time again and have also helped to coordinate some of the logistics.
But, climbing is not the beginning and end of it all.

It seems everyday I need to learn a little more about how to simply raise awareness, which as it turns out isn’t simple.
There is marketing,
there is writing,
there is research,
there is staying current on your subject (Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s),
there is public speaking,
there is mailing,
there is Emailing,
there is creating graphics which will inspire people,
there is real politics, there is association politics, there is team politics,
there is learning to recognize when someone has that little extra spark which has the potential to really burn brightly with a little encouragement and cultivation,
there is learning how to deal with the new and varied personalities involved in helping my cause, there is learning how to create and keep relationships,
there is this, there is that, there is the other thing.

Then there is evolution.
By this I mean that at the urging of my team mates we have now branched out to doing more than just climbing expeditions to raise awareness and funds for research. We have spent months sorting through, then developing ideas for social events where anyone interested in the cause could join us in a great old time while raising fund for the Alzheimer’s Association and the Michael J. Fox Foundation (for Parkinson’s Research).

I never imagined 4 years ago that my team would do anything more than climb, but apparently we’re only just scratching the surface of what can be done to raise awareness in public and the funds needed for research. Every day it seems we write our own "How To" guide book on interesting ways to support the cause.

It’s all so exciting, sometimes scary, and always a little confusing, but we’re finding our way.

I always think to myself, this is no place for someone who grew up as a shy kid; who would rather hide behind his parents legs than say hi to the person he was being introduced to when he was young.
But here I am anyway.

If these diseases are to be conquered we’re all going to have to come out of our shells and push harder against our own shy, docile or introverted manner in order to succeed. Before we can go on to conquer anything in this world, we must learn to conquer ourselves first.
I still have quite a bit of a guilty feeling stealing my focus away from my wife who sometimes not so quietly waits for me to drop the world and lay still to relax and watch TV with her.

Time gives, and time steals.

World up,
Enzo

"the Regulars" World Tour

2008-02-21T01:16:00.001-05:00

Matt

2008-02-20T22:06:00.004-05:00

Well guys, this is Matt. It took me awhile to post anything because honestly, I hate writing. But I finally sucked it up and decided to post something.

Recently I’ve had a real life change. Nothing is like it used to be. But it’s for the best. Part of this change is because of my faith. Part of this is because of events that have happened to me during the past few years. And another part of this is because of Enzo.

Enzo showed me that there is a fight out there. A fight bigger than any one of us. I met E on myspace a few years ago. See I believe that everything happens for a reason. Just the fact that we met on myspace of all places strengthens that belief. Why did he add me? Why did I add him? I usually delete anyone who isn’t a friend of mine in real life. I could have simply hit “DENY” and my life would be completely different from what it is now. It’s a trip just thinking’ about it.

I soon started talking to E and learning more about Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. My God, I had no idea that these diseases affected so many millions. Then I realized that I could do something with my life that truly meant something. I mean, I won’t lie to ya, I’m lazy. I’m really lazy. But to be apart of this is an honor. To be on a team with such inspiring people willing to fight so hard. I tell you this right now; there is nothing “regular” about these people. This team, “The Regulars” is what separates everyday people from great people. Peter Parker is a “regular” guy in the day, but once trouble strikes he puts on his mask and becomes Spider-Man, a hero. That’s the kind of people this team is made of. People willing to sacrifice for others. I see people like Enzo who has put this whole quest together while taking care of family, building a house, and going to school. Then there’s Eileen. She takes care of three boys! I barely finished my teenage life so I know how much trouble us guys can be. Props to ya Eileen. These "regular" people inspire me so much.

Thankfully I do not have any family or friends who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. But I hope that by my being on the team people can see that you don’t have to be directly affected to stand up and make a difference. E once said that our children should never have to grow up knowing the words “Alzheimer’s” or “Parkinson’s”. This is my goal. This is our goal. If you’re reading this then I hope it’s you’re goal as well.

-Matt

Knee-knack!

2008-02-20T13:06:00.002-05:00

So, i'm currently in Puerto Natales after 4 days hiking in Torres del Paine, I had a great time. The views and the vistas amazing, the weather very very changable, one moment the sun is shining, the next moment the rain is falling. I experienced some of the strongest winds I ever have, at one point we were sitting by the lake and we got soaked from a gush we saw coming in, another we were hiking obove a cliff and had to sit down to stop us getting blow right off. I suppose its normal given the location, close to the Pacific and not that far from the Atlantic and Antarctica! Its pretty hard to know what to wear, but you get used to being too hot one moment and too cold the next. Some of the camp-grounds are amazing, you literally wake up with the Torres just in front of you.

We saw some very cool stuff; a glacier the size of Litchenstien (according to a guy from there travelling with me that day), mini twisters on the lake itself (honestly), free-roaming horses, and of course the torres, three massive granite summits that can be climbed in 12 hours, and then can be descended in 12 hours. I hiked with some very nice people from all nations, Argentines, Russians, English, Americans, Australians. For me the biggest problem, is the number of tourists, and the prices, but then this is the price you pay for such views, I hope to head off to a location a little less touristy soon.

Si, i´ve seen what is going to be the biggest problem in travelling for 6 months before Mount Hood in July - keeping injury free. Already my knee is a little painful, I guess i´ll just have to make sure i´m careful, and don´t push myself too hard. One of my goals with this trip is to arrive in tip-top condition so that I can help the team push for the summit and do my bit in our battle against Parkinsons and Alzheimers!

Anyway, will blog again soon,

Brett

2008-02-19T00:15:00.004-05:00

Visionary Bullet

2008-02-19T00:05:00.001-05:00

Harm is not in the crosshairs but life is.
My sights are on a time and a place many may wish for but cannot see.
Shoot high, aim low.

With my heart on my sleave and holding on to everything I loved when I was young, I climb into the barrel and bathe in the cylindrical blue light.
It swirls around as I turn my site toward my goal.

Is this not a big war worth fighting I ask myself, stepping into the ranks of those soon to be moving unison on the front lines against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Yes it is.
Am I here to take prisoners?
No I'm here to do everything in my power to set them free.

Thank God for the renegades with eyes big enough to see the goal from a global perspective, and kid gloves enough to hold hands with those who need holding.
Thank God as well for those willing to stand out on the line and do a little more.

My weathered veins feel old, but strong enough to pump nitro into the engines of this big machine. Tired but still moving. It feels as though I first set eyes on this world a thousand years ago, and lived ten lives all trying to get something right. There must be some score to settle in this spirit, and I'm chasing a ghost through time, going down on one battle field only to be born to try again.
I feel that success and then rest is at hand.

This may not be Concord but the shot will still in fact be heard around the world.
Let those visionary bullets shot from arms in all nations find their target.
Together as one.
Let the giants fall. They have already taken too many with them.

Let's give all that we have as if there were one chance to get it right and the only time was now.
I was born, I live and I'm here to end this.
30 million lives in the new generation should never know the words Alzheimer's or Parkinson's.
The battle should not be theirs…it is ours.

World up,
Enzo

Heads Up!

2008-02-18T23:52:00.001-05:00

Drug 'can reverse Alzheimer's symptoms in minutes'
January 10, 2008

A drug used for arthritis can reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer's "in minutes".
It appears to tackle one of the main features of the disease - inflammation in the brain.
The drug, called Enbrel, is injected into the spine where it blocks a chemical responsible for damaging the brain and other organs.

A pilot study carried out by U.S. researchers found one patient had his symptoms reversed "in minutes". Other patients have shown some improvements in symptoms such as forgetfulness and confusion after weekly injections over six months.

The study of 15 patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's has just been published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation by online publishers Biomed Central.

The experiment showed that Enbrel can deactivate TNF (tumour necrosis factor) - a chemical in the fluid surrounding the brain that is found in Alzheimer's sufferers.
When used by arthritis sufferers, the drug is self-administered by injection and researchers had to develop a way of injecting it into the spine to affect the brain cells.
Sue Griffin, a researcher at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, said: 'It is unprecedented to see cognitive and behavioural improvement in a patient with established dementia within minutes of therapeutic intervention.
'This gives all of us in Alzheimer research a tremendous new clue about new avenues of research.' Enbrel is not approved for treating Alzheimer's in the U.S. or the UK and is regarded as highly experimental, said Dr Griffin.

'Even though this report predominantly discusses a single patient it is of significant scientific interest because of the potential insight it may give into the processes involved in the brain dysfunction of Alzheimer's,' she added.

Lead author of the study Edward Tobinick, of the University of California and Director of the Institute for Neurological Research, said the drug had 'a very rapid effect that's never been reported in a human being before'.
He added: 'It makes practical changes that are significant and perceptible, making a difference to his daily living.

'Some patients have been able to start driving again. They don't come back to normal but the change is good enough for patients to want to continue treatment.'
He said top-up injections were necessary but some patients had them a month apart.

Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, affecting more than 700,000 Britons with about 500 cases diagnosed every day.

Neil Hunt, of the Alzheimer's Society charity, said: 'The pursuit of a miracle cure for Alzheimer's continues to drive research into a variety of potential treatment targets. These include a possible link between inflammatory reactions in the brain and Alzheimer's.'

Children exposed to lead in old paint, Victorian pipes and toys could be at risk of Alzheimer's later in life, scientists said yesterday.
A study shows that even small amounts of the metal in the first few years can build up plaques around the brain.

Scientists at the University of Rhode Island told the New Scientist that they fed infant formula milk laced with low doses of lead to baby monkeys, then followed their progress for 23 years. A post mortem of the brains revealed plaques - harmful deposits of protein found in Alzheimer's patients.

Brett in South America 1

2008-02-15T10:17:00.001-05:00

Well, after one week in SA and im just about to write my first blog. Ive had a great week, Ushuai was stunning, the flight in spectacular, Ushuai is a lovely little town overlooking the Beagle Channel (yes the same Beagle that Charles Darwin took) to the South, and surrounded by mountains on the other sides. The hostel was great and I met a nice group of people for a couple of nights out. The highlight was the trip on the channel, we saw penguis, Albatross, Sealions and seals, as well as the mountains everywhere - stunning!

After that I took the trip down to Punto Arenas, 12 hours of nothingness, it really is incredible to see that people do actually live in these massive Patagonian steps, now im in Puerton Natales, and in a few hours the trip to Torres del PAine National PArk for 5 days hiking, its going to be frustrating not being able to climb there, but its probably out of my depth!

I cant really say ive had a cultural experience so far, as its very easy to meet foreigners, however so far the people have been very kind, the hostels clean and the bus services clean and effecient. However by far the best thing about Patagonia is the views and the emptiness.
Will post again soon
,Brett

Where Am I?

2008-02-10T07:25:00.000-05:00

Where Am I?
Where am I may sound like a ridiculous question to ask. Of course I am right here in New Jersey. Where else would I be? But you see it’s not that simple. As in the words of Bono from U2 in the song “Walk On”, I am going to a place where none of us has been. By that I mean, a frame of mind one must be in to accomplish what I am getting ready to accomplish. To answer “The Call” which Enzo sent out almost a year ago to me, one must put themselves in a place of belief that this phenomenal experience that I have been handed is something that can be accomplished. There are so many emotions to prepare yourself along with the physical conditioning of your body. Your faith in yourself, the trust in your teammates, the support from everyone around you, all have to come into play. I train in the martial arts and there is a term in Korean that we practice on a daily basis and it is “Moo Shim”, which is “Empty Mind”. You train your mind to block out all negativity around you in order to accomplish things. You discipline yourself to going after things without hesitation. This doesn’t mean you never think about anything, it means you persevere and you push and you let your inner strength guide you. I have been doing this. This is where I am.

I am home raising three growing boys. I am getting my youngest prepared physically and mentally for his second degree rank of Black Belt in karate. I am setting things up for my middle son to get prepared for the upcoming baseball season. And I am helping my oldest find a job and stay focused and on track with football even though it is off season. I am also working, running a household. But most importantly, I am training. Training in the gym or training in karate or just training my mind to be prepared for climbing Mt. Hood in July. I have a ton of questions that run through my mind. You may think fear plays a role but it doesn’t. It should since I have never climbed a mountain before. But I have an amazing role model, someone who believes in me and calls me “the strong one”. This would be Enzo. From the time he asked me to do this my life has changed. My outlook has changed. My personality has changed. Even my looks have changed. It is because I have thrown myself in a place of total faith in myself and total belief in why I am doing this. “If God brought me to it, He will get me through it”. And my “angel” above, my mother, is waiting for me at the top, so I can reach up my hand into the clouds and touch hers, if only for a second in my mind, but to be remembered for the rest of my life.

This all sounds like something that is unbelievable, right? But this is where I am in my journey to climb Mt. Hood. I hope in my heart that cures are discovered from our efforts and to prove, if even only to one, that anything you want in life you can do it. I am really a “regular” person. Not someone that wants the glory of the accomplishment but the satisfaction of the journey and the chance to say that I have made a difference and I will have the ones I love that carry with them the burden of these diseases everyday, to be cured. To ensure my own children will never have to face this in there life or that I won’t even be stricken. Maybe, just maybe this will happen. My intuition and my faith is strong. I have already reached the top. Now it lies in the hands of the ones who can truly make a medical breakthrough in these diseases and help the millions who suffer. I will continue my journey long after I climb Mt. Hood. I will continue to do other things to draw awareness to Alzheimer;s and Parkinson’s. But for now my focus is on the mountain. To reach the top, to draw awareness, to raise funds, to show that with combined efforts of everyone we can and will make a differnce. To be continued.

World Up!
Eileen - The Regulars - ’08

Blind

2008-02-08T15:01:00.000-05:00

"Blind"

It is a state of being, and it’s how I feel sometimes.
I feel like a blind man wandering the streets of a city where I’ve never been. Yet I am looking for something. Feeling and fumbling my way, and finding a good foot hold on occasion, but more often than not falling on my face then getting up to try again.

I have bestowed upon myself an epic the likes of which have not been seen in a charity / fund raising event. I have not asked for this, and I would stop in a heart beat given the promise of two cures, but with that being said I will continue on and beyond this epic if circumstances call upon me to do so.

10 Mountains – 10 Years (A quest for the Cure) is what I have named the challenge before my team and I. Together there is a way to find the cures for Alzheimer’s disease & Parkinson’s disease. Somewhere out there bathed in fluorescent light is a scientist climbing his own mountains of research on route to the same summit we both call a cure.

It sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Climb mountains, raise awareness, raise funds for research and conquer these giant diseases. But, I find myself asking the same initial question over and again. In the case of “the Regulars” I wonder where’s our instruction book? How do we orchestrate the entire world of issues needed to be successful? The reality is that there are more questions than soldiers in the conquerors army.

What am I up against? What do I need to know and how will I learn it? What mistakes will I make? How will this evolve over time? Who is with me and who is not? Will I even make it? How will my own life changes affect my ability to carry on with all this? Will anything I do help the cause to find these cures? Will anything I do help to save my mother from Alzheimer’s and my Father-in-Law from Parkinson’s? Will I doubt myself? Am I doubting myself now?

I’m sure the same questions haunt my team mates as well. I hope they take the same time and effort to write in this blog their own daily experiences riding the roller coaster of emotions through life on this journey….this quest for a cure.

Let us write the book together along the way.

World up,
Enzo

Alzheimer's Parkinson's & You

2008-02-06T02:26:00.000-05:00

Alzheimer's disease

It's a tragedy to loose the one thing in life, which is ours and ours alone – our memory. The ability to open the book of our own lives only to fumble through blank pages of memories, stories, and experiences we may never be able to recall. Loose our sense of self-reliance. Loose the recognition of those people nearest and dearest to us in a sea of obscure and nameless faces usually reserved for one looking out upon a busy street in a city one has never been. Anyone who has known another person with Alzheimer's knows first hand the devastating affect it ultimately has on the person and his or her family.

Currently an estimated 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease.

Currently, it is estimated that 24 million people worldwide are suffering with Alzheimer's disease (dementia).

By 2050 the number of individuals in the United States with Alzheimer's could range from 11.3 million to 16 million.

Alzheimer's disease usually begins after age 60.

While rare, it can affect people in their 40's and 50's as early onset dementia.

In progressed stages of Alzheimer's disease people fail to recognize familiar people and places including family and friends.

People with Alzheimer's disease will also begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.

In later stages, people with Alzheimer's disease may become anxious, aggressive, may wander away from home, and eventually patients need total care.

The typical Alzheimer's Caregiver is a 46-year-old married woman who works outside the home, reports the San Francisco-based Family Caregiver Alliance.
Parkinson's disease

Likewise, the sometimes unkind stares from strangers watching as a person with Parkinson's disease struggles against ones own body. His or her body tremors and jitters uncontrollably, or alternately slows down virtually to a halt and becomes captive to the ice like rigidity of a body frozen in slow motion. The simplest of tasks become almost impossible. All the while one recalls in complete lucidity a time not long ago, when the same hands and feet they now battle to control, moved with utter grace and steady conviction.

Currently more than six million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's affects 1 person in 100 over the age of 60 years old.
40% of those people are under the age of sixty.

Over the course of this year 60,000 new cases will be diagnosed in the United States alone.

Young onset Parkinson's disease usually affects people 40 years old and younger.

One of the youngest people ever diagnosed with Parkinson's disease was 7 years old. I personally know her.

Parkinson's disease is a chronic degenerative neurological disorder which usually progresses from mild tremors to complete physical incapacitation.

Parkinson's disease is characterized by four major features: Rest tremor of a limb (shaking with the limb at rest). Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia). Rigidity (stiffness, increased resistance to passive movement) of the limbs or trunk. Poor balance (postural instability).

Ultimately Parkinson's disease leaves people unable to move, speak or swallow.

Here is a thought: 24,000,000 + 6,000,000=30,000,000 people world-wide

30,000,000 x 3.14 ( Avg. Size of an American Family ) = 94,200,000

The collective average number of family members affected by Alzheimer's & Parkinson's . . .
94,200,000 people.

What an army for positive change this could be if we all did just a little to fight these.

Together We Can Find A Way .

World up,
Enzo