The Long and Winding Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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