Freeze a Moment in Time

Each climber has been encouraged to share sentimental moments from the Kilimanjaro trip. Read the uplifting experiences from Kevin Cherilla and Tom Hicks:

On the fifth morning as we pulled out of Barranco Camp, I knew we had an exciting day ahead of us on THE BARRANCO WALL! I knew I was going to see team work at its finest as we headed up the steepest, most exposed, lower half of the wall. Just as I thought, the team work was incredible. Everyone helped each other up and over the tricky rocks, passed poles, lended a hand or wrist on many occasions, assisted members of other teams and porters with large bags balancing on their heads, spotted in the death fall sections, etc., etc. It was absolutely incredible! Finally, as we all passed the tough lower section for our first water break and shed down, in unison the 24 of us erupted in ovation as Patrick emerged from his tent. It sounded like we were at a Suns game cheering on a game winning shot. The way our voices echoed down the valley pass the beautiful waterfalls we visited the day before, was so uplifting for Patrick as he sat outside his tent and for all of us. Then, several hours later as we sat at the top of the wall having a snack, up pops Patrick! He left and hour and half after us and caught up at a great time to join our team. It was a big turning point and momentum creator as we headed to the final days of the climb. - Cheers, Kevin

I was encouraged by Mike and Pat as they never gave up even while being violently sick. They inspired me to keep driving on and to stay the hell away from them. For obvious reasons I do not have a visual moment in time. What I have are profound feelings of being a part of something great. I felt from the beginning this quest to stand together on top of Kilimanjaro was blessed. I completely trusted our leadership and believed in my heart we would overcome all obstacles together. While making our trek up the mighty Kilimanjaro I tried to enjoy every moment. I was always listening to our conversations, jokes, and harassment of one another. I felt like we were unstoppable after we scaled the Bronco Wall. I felt at times like we were a well oiled machine in perfect rhythm. I remember the smells and sounds of the Rain forest and the effort it took to breathe at the 15000 feet Lava Tower and the freezing night's cold air. I remember the winds on Kosovo and the anxiety I felt in anticipation of our run for the summit. I did not sleep. I just tossed and turned until it was 0115 hours and time to layer up for our climb. I remember hearing each of us struggle and overcome the steep switchbacks that never seemed to end on our way to Stella Point. I remember losing the feelings in my fingers from the cold. I remember pressure breathing with each step to prevent passing out. During the entire journey I have often been overcome with emotions as I listened to Grahame and Kristy describe everything to me. I recall thinking how all our sighted teammates are completely unselfish as they described with every breath the terrain and obstacles ahead of each blind climber. Over and over again I thought we are an incredible team and I am so proud of everyone. Together we struggled, together we achieved, and together we made a real difference! Our association with FBC gave us purpose and the mission and vision was so great that none of us could fail. I believe our blindness gave us determination and strong will to overcome every fear! We were destined to stand together on top of the great Kilimanjaro and all we had to do was try. I'll never forget every moment. Grahame and Kristy would describe incredible blue skies and the snow topped Kili to me. I once asked Kirsty to point my finger toward the summit of Kili and we were already at 15000 feet, but she kept raising my arm until my finger felt like it was pointing straight up. I thought, "Damn this is a huge mountain." I'll never forget running down the scree field with peter on my left and Mogombo on my right. What a sight that must of been. If you ever get a chance to run down a mountain I recommend both Peter and Mogombo as your escorts. I will never forget how I felt as we reached the 19340 feet summit sign. We did it! We overcame blindness and the mountain! In the end blindness was no excuse to fail because that'd be too easy and Team kili doesn't believe in easy! I have a great respect for all of you and each of you have made me happy! Like my Aunty Patrice would say, "Life is good!" - Sincerely, Tom