Climbing Kili for Cancer!

Ashley Cogswell.  Mountaineer and World Renowned Fundraiser. Yeah, no... 

After hearing what I signed up to do, I'm sure most of my friends and family are going to think that I have lost my mind.  And maybe I have.  But when I heard about Radiating Hope and the amazing work they are doing to bring cancer care to developing countries, I immediately knew that I had to get involved.  I was so inspired by the thought that a small group of people could make a major impact in global medicine.  I NEED TO BE A PART OF THIS! WHAT CAN I DO??? 

Turns out, I can climb the highest freestanding mountain in the world, and also pledge to raise 12k in 6 months.  Yes, I realize we are still on the crazy train.  Let's be honest:  I can barely finish a 5k and I almost died on the last hike I went on.  So, I'm striking out in the physical department.  Thinking about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro terrifies me.  TERRIFIES ME.  Then I think: there is no way this is more terrifying than finding out you have cancer and there is no treatment available.  A sickness that may not kill you if you were born in a different area of the world, but because of where you live, you will likely die.  And this is why I must do it, even if it scares me. 

Then there is the money that I need to raise.  Seems like an impossible amount to raise in just 6 short months, but then I remember all the amazing people I have in my life: near and far, old and new, family, friends, colleagues, customers, and fellow do-gooders in the world, and I don't doubt for a minute that we can raise this money together.  There is strength in numbers, and I know all of the best people on the planet! THERE IS NO WAY WE CAN FAIL.  

I am asking everyone I know to donate at least $19. Just $1 for each 1000 feet that I have to climb. Kili's height is 19,341 feet! Your donations will go directly to help fund and build a cancer center at the base of Kilimanjaro, in Moshi, Tanzania.

A small group of people can change the world, and so can a small donation. This is important stuff.  Big stuff. Please help me make a difference. 

You're the best,
Ashley


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WHY DONATE? 
A little background: Today, cancer is the leading cause of death in Africa, killing more people than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. 72% of cancer deaths globally occur in developing nations. Cancer kills 7.6 million people worldwide per year, with 5.5 million of these deaths occurring in developing countries.

Radiating Hope is dedicated to advance cancer care in developing countries, and is addressing the lack of cancer care in Africa. The organization's mission is to provide much needed radiation equipment and treatment to the people of developing countries, and create global awareness in order to fight the worldwide battle against cancer! This particular trip we are raising money for a cancer care program in Moshi, Tanzania.  The site has already been acquired, and a linac has been donated. There is still much work to be done, though.  Your donations will go directly to the building of the center. 

Radiation therapy is a vital component of most cancer treatments. Approximately 60-70% of all cancer patients in the US will receive some form of radiation therapy. Most people living in developing nations do not have the opportunity to have this crucial treatment, due to a lack of radiation equipment. The worldwide standard for cancer care is that there should be one radiation megavoltage machine for every 150,000 people living in a region. A few examples of current worldwide numbers are as follows:

United States: 1 megavoltage machine for every 100,000-200,000 people.

Africa:
9 countries do not have any machines
Senegal: 1 machine for 13,000,000 people
Ghana: 1 machine for 1,000,000 people
Ethiopia: 1 machine for 70,000,000 people
South Africa: 1 machine for 1,000,000 people

These statistics are unacceptable, and it is the mission of Radiating Hope to make a drastic and sustainable change in the worldwide dynamic of cancer care.

Please help us be the change.

For more information, please visit: Radiating Hope