Climbing Kili for Cancer: A Journey of Healing

Friends, family, and compassionate souls,

We are reaching out to share a story about our dad, David Reed, and his mission to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This mission is not only a physical challenge but also an emotional journey of healing for him after the devastating loss of his long-term partner, Barbi, to glioblastoma brain cancer in December 2020. Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer that affects thousands of people worldwide. Witnessing the toll it took on Barbi and our family, our Dad was inspired to make a difference. Barbi was the ultimate wife, mom, grandma, and friend. There wasn't anyone that didn’t love Barbi. Between our dad and Barbi there are 7 children and 16 grandchildren who all miss their “Meemo” very much. Barbi was a blessing to our family in so many ways.

Dad reached out to Gundersen Lutheran Health System and their charitable foundation. They suggested fundraising for Paula's Purse. Throughout Barbi's cancer journey, David and Barbi received support from Paula's Purse to ease the stress of treatment so this was the perfect opportunity. In 2022, $89,635 was distributed by Paula’s Purse to help families with fuel, travel expenses, household expenses, medications, and other needed resources.  Gifts to Paula's Purse support the individual financial needs of cancer patients, alleviating financial stress during an already stressful time.  Funds raised will stay local to assist cancer patients in the La Crosse area.

Before Barbi was diagnosed, the two of them loved to travel. They had a bucket list a mile long. On the list was a trip to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. Unfortunately, Barbi passed before they had a chance to climb their mountain. Our dad has committed himself to carry out their bucket list and climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This healing journey represents his resilience, his tribute to Barbi's memory, and his dedication to helping others facing similar battles. He wants to use this opportunity to raise awareness and help others struggling through the nightmare that cancer creates. Like many others, our family has been devastated by cancer many times over the years.

However, embarking on this mission comes with its own set of challenges. Our dad is not usually one to ask for help.  He wants to make a difference. As he plans for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, dad needs your support to raise funds for travel expenses and to help others who are fighting the ugliness of cancer.  All funds raised in excess of the actual cost of the trip will be donated to the Gundersen Lutheran Foundation to assist cancer patients and their families.

By contributing to this GoFundMe campaign, you can provide tangible assistance in the following ways:

1. Support Paula's Purse and its mission to help others. Gundersen Lutheran Doctors and staff were so kind to our family while Barbi was sick.  We want to extend that kindness to families who are going through the battle of their lives.

2. Emotional Healing: Losing Barbi has taken a toll on our dad's emotional well-being. Your support will help him find solace, purpose, and strength as he embarks on this empowering journey.

3. Awareness and Advocacy: The funds raised will also be used to raise awareness about cancer and advocate for increased funding and support for research and patient care.

Your generosity will make a significant impact on our dad's mission and inspire hope for countless individuals affected by cancer. Together, we can bring light to the darkness that surrounds this disease and make a lasting difference in the lives of those fighting against it.

Please consider making a donation to support our dad's climb and honor Barbi's memory. Every contribution, no matter the size, is immensely appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for joining our family on this healing journey.

With gratitude,

Ella and Lydia