SeeKiliOurWay - Foundation for Blind Children

Photos from Airport Homecoming

2009-08-21T10:27:00.005-07:00

Friends and family waiting for Team Kili with lots of creative posters!

A huge banner to welcome the team displayed "Team Kili Rock'd it to the Top!"

Members of Team Kili arriving at Sky Harbor

Tom Hicks being interviewed by the media

Kili Coverage in Arizona Republic

2009-08-03T09:43:00.001-07:00

Kilimanjaro hikers show that visually impaired are independent
by Eddi Trevizo - Jul. 27, 2009 09:05 AM
The Arizona Republic

Cindy Wilhelmi and Adam Messler reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in late June, trumping a lifetime of disability.

Wilhelmi, 49, a Glendale resident, and Messler, 29, both legally blind, observed what they could of the famed Tanzanian mountain's scenery from an elevation of 19,340 feet, amidst a flurry of flashing cameras, tears and hugs.

The two were among a group of eight blind climbers, along with 17 sighted guides, who hoped to raise funds and awareness for the Foundation for Blind Children in Phoenix. The group raised over $200,000 through fundraisers to benefit the foundation's infant care program, which provides teaching skills and assistance to families raising visually impaired infants.
The group also wanted to show the potential and independence visually impaired people can achieve with the help of agencies like the foundation.

Messler said people sometimes refused to sponsor or help the group because they felt blind people couldn't hike.

"Blindness isn't a disability - it's just an inconvenience," Wilhelmi said.

Wilhelmi has only limited peripheral vision and struggles to discern detail. Messler has albinism and suffers from sensitivity to the light, nearsightedness and farsightedness, involuntary movement of the eyes and an underdeveloped macula, which prevents him from seeing details.

Despite their visual impairment, the hikers embarked on a rigorous, year-long practice routine to prepare for Kilimanjaro.

"We did the Seven Summits of Phoenix . . . with a lot of difficulty," said Marc Ashton, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Blind Children.

Along with sighted companions, the hikers practiced guiding techniques, such as ringing bells, following the scraping of trekking poles, and holding onto a guide's backpack.

Many of the blind climbers had no previous hiking experience, and the guides, mostly volunteers, didn't know how to guide a blind person.

"When we first started (training) . . . there were lots of falls and bloodied and bruised shins," said Pam Stelzer, Wilhelmi's guide.

The group reached Kilimanjaro's summit on June 29 about 8 a.m. after seven days of hiking.

"When I got there, I just dropped my pole and fell onto a rock, and felt a tear come up," Messler said.

Messler and Wilhelmi said wintry climates, high altitude and difficulty breathing often tempted them to quit.

"Then I would think (to myself), 'I chose to climb this mountain, but a lot of parents (have) to climb a harder mountain,' " Wilhelmi said of people faced with the challenge of raising blind infants.

Messler pushed himself to continue and prove that a blind person can accomplish the same goals as a sighted person.

"When I thought about quitting, I would think about the families that needed my help," Messler said.

The pair hopes the Kilimanjaro trek will help people understand that the visually impaired community is just as resourceful and efficient as those with full vision.

"If they are trained correctly, they can do anything correctly. Anything is possible, but some people don't want to spend the extra money it takes to help," Messler said.

http://www.azcentral.com/community/westvalley/articles/2009/07/27/20090727gl-nwvkiliexpedition0725.html

NBC Nightly News Video

2009-07-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

View the link to watch the video of Friday's news coverage: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/32132694#32132694

Team Kili on NBC Nightly News TONIGHT!

2009-07-24T14:38:00.003-07:00

Tune in tonight at 5:30pm to watch the Team Kili story on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams!

Arizona Republic Article

2009-07-22T13:34:00.001-07:00

Check out the article from the Arizona Republic:

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/07/21/20090721phx-blind0722.html

Kili Memories from Greg DePinto

2009-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

First off thank you for your support and donations to The Foundation for Blind Children Summit of Kilimanjaro. As you may know by now the entire team of 25 made it to the top, 19,340 feet June 29th 2009. We were heavily doubted and to be honest an attempt with a team of this size has limited odds of achieving summit, even SIGHTED. For me the last 3 miles, over 3000 feet of elevation gain, and 6.5 hours later was an undertaking I never imagined. There were times following Mike Armstrong (BLIND) and group, that I could not believe someone would throw in the towel; this kept me mentally in the game.

In many words we tried to put the last leg into perspective, unfortunately they’re words I cannot share. For me I was so far out of breath I thought I would pass out time after time after time and still had hours left to climb. I can’t count how many times this happened, the look on my face tells it all (Left Blue Coat). I was truly encouraged by my supporters and blind team mates that allowed me to reach deep and BRING IT….Thank you.

So many great memories from 30hrs of one way flights to our community service day at the Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind, 6 days up the mountain and 2 days to reach the finish line. Our team was incredible. The 74 Porters led by Nixon are the hardest working people I’ve ever encountered and to Kevin Cherilla or Expedition Leader from KC Summits.com was instrumental in getting us all to the top. His crew which included Kristi Samson who flew in from London was an amazing support system. Hat’s off to the KC Summits Team.

Our climb has reached national attention, last week we were interviewed by NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. We raised over $200,000 for The Foundation which will put 52 babies through the infant program next year. What an amazing task and worth every effort. I can say I’m glad to have my life back BUT I will miss my 24 new Friends. So to them I say what’s next?

Cheers and thank you all…..

Greg DePinto

Memorable Moment from Tanner Robinson

2009-07-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

"During this climb, there were several moments of great importance to me personally, but only one truly touched me. After we reached the Lava Tower, the climb started to get interesting with the Barranco Wall the next day. Pat was feeling very much under the weather, and just having a tough time. The wall was one of my favorite parts of the mountain, because I could climb it myself, and touch the wall itself. When we reached the top, the view and sense of accomplishment was amazing. I could clearly see our destination, the 19340 Uhuru Peak that towered over us. The camp where we'd spend the night before could also be seen. There was a lone tent at the bottom. Pat had stayed behind to rest. When he stepped out of the tent, all of us at the top of the wall began to cheer, shouting encouragements and calling out his name. Our voices echoed off the mountains and he later told us he heard us from the top, and it even brought tears to his eyes. I think this is a favorite moment for many of us. It just showed how strong our bonds and connections to each other truly were. To me, the summit was just a bonus, compared to getting to know the team, and to feel the sense of support and just how much we meant to each other on the mountain, and even now. At that moment, I was truly honored to be a part of what we'd started, and had no further doubt about whether we would reach our goal."
-Tanner Robinson

Team Kili Featured on MSNBC Homepage

2009-07-10T20:35:00.001-07:00

View link to view the video of Team Kili on the homepage of msnbc.com: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/31851025#31851025

Team Kili on Channel 12 News

2009-07-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

Click here to watch the video featured on Channel 12 News: http://www.azcentral.com/video/?type=mavenfull&id=12newshomepage&videoID=1176666095

Team Kili featured on The Adventure Blog

2009-07-10T12:00:00.001-07:00

Click here to read The Adventure Blog:
http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/blind-kids-summit-kilimanjaro.html

SeeKiliOurWay Coverage from John Schiebe's Hometown

2009-07-10T09:48:00.001-07:00

View the link to read an article from John Schiebe's hometown newspaper, The Cannon Falls Beacon:
http://www.cannonfalls.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=17385&SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&S=1

Team Kili Featured in Backpacker Blog

2009-07-09T15:41:00.003-07:00

Click here to read: http://www.backpacker.com/blind_climber_kilimanjaro/blogs/daily_dirt/1147

Team Kili on Channel 12

2009-07-09T14:37:00.001-07:00

Tune in to Channel 12 today at 4:30 and 6pm to view a news story featuring Team Kili. Link to be posted as soon as it becomes available!

Team Kili on Good Morning Arizona

2009-07-07T09:28:00.002-07:00

Check out the LIVE interview with Team Kili on Good Morning Arizona:

http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=377860

Freeze a Moment in Time

2009-07-07T09:22:00.002-07:00

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

Because it's there...

2009-07-06T16:11:00.001-07:00

Well, folks, we made it! 25 out of 25 of our team made it to Kilimanjaro’s 19,340 feet. Not only did we make it, we made it together as a team. Our Tanzanian guide, Nickson, was amazed and said in his 200+ ascents, rarely does the whole team make it to the top together. I can only attribute our success to our team’s common goal: to stand at the top of Africa together. It was a daunting task as several of our teammates fought intestinal bacteria, altitude sickness and near frostbite. I struggled for every breath after 18,000 feet, as did others, but I did not want to let my team down. I knew my failure would be theirs. I saw such incredible giving as sighted guides continued to call out the trail to their blind climbers even as they gasped for their own breath; guides picked up climbers’ packs and sang us to the top with their Swahili chants; teammates, so desperate for the top, descended to escort those falling behind.

I learned something on Kili: No one walks through life alone. Whether it is a spouse, a parent, a friend, a teacher, or a stranger, we all need someone, sometime. And having 24 incredible teammates to walk this special path with, I am grateful.

We are going to meet Tanner Robinson, our last blind climber at Sky Harbor tonight at 6:54 US Airways flight #77 if you’d like to join us.

You can see the incredible photos on our blog and we will have video and additional information very soon.

Watch us tomorrow morning on Channel 3 at 7:40.

More to come.

Marc Ashton

Team Kili on Good Morning Arizona Tomorrow

2009-07-06T14:48:00.001-07:00

Tune in to Good Morning Arizona (KTVK Channel 3) at 7:40am to see the LIVE interview with Team Kili. A link to the video will be posted as soon as it is available.

Photos from Kili

2009-07-06T14:04:00.002-07:00

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Photos from Kili

2009-07-06T14:02:00.002-07:00

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Photos from Kili

2009-07-06T11:07:00.001-07:00

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News Coverage from ABC 15

2009-07-03T09:19:00.003-07:00

Click the link below to view the news story featured on ABC 15 about the airport homecoming of Team Kili:

http://www.abc15.com/content/news/webxtra/story/Blind-climbers-return-to-Valley-after-conquering/PUE7EH4Gu0qKa9JFPzjrsw.cspx

Welcome home!

Team Kili Homecoming

2009-07-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

Team Kili arrived safely this afternoon at Sky Harbor, greeted by family and friends with banners and posters celebrating their success! Tune in tonight to view news coverage of the homecoming on Channels 5, 10 and 15. Welcome Home!

Photos of Team Kili from the Summit

2009-07-01T10:20:00.004-07:00

Having a little fun at the Summit!

Showing the world the Largest Group of Blind Climbers is from Arizona.

All 25 Team Kili Members at the Summit with the World Record Banners.

Team Kili on Good Morning Arizona

2009-07-01T08:40:00.003-07:00

Click the link below to view a live SKYPE segment with Marc Ashton and Tom Hicks:

http://www.azfamily.com/video/gmaz-index.html?nvid=376305&shu=1

Several Team Kili members will be arriving at Sky Harbor on Thursday, July 2. Join us at the airport to welcome them home and celebrate their success at Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Details:
Sky Harbor Airport
3400 E. Sky Harbor Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Terminal 4, Gates A & B
US Airways – Flight #644
Arrival time: 3:41pm

Because the arrival gate is tentative, please check the arrival screens to determine where to meet.

Special thanks to the SHARP summer program students who have been working hard making posters for us to hold when they arrive!

Hope to see you there.

Update from Team Kili - June 29

2009-06-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

This update comes from Marc Ashton:

All 25 team members made it to the top!!!!! (Cheering could be heard in the voicemail). It was an incredible experience to see the celebration at the top! News of the summit traveled fast, everyone at the bottom of Mt. Kilimanjaro knew about the summit very quickly because of the unique circumstances of Team Kili. 1. It is unusual that every team member made it to the top. 2. It is unusual that children made it to the top. 3. It is unusual that blind climbers made it to the top. But we, at FBC, know that our blind and visually impaired clients can do ANYTHING they put their mind to!

Team Kili started the hike to the summit at 2am and made it to the top at 9am. They took photos and took in the surroundings and view. There were tears, cheers, and many great moments. Not to mention, breaking TWO world records! Largest group of blind climbers to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and Youngest blind climber to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro, Max Ashton!

Everyone is exhausted, but in good spirits. After their time at the top, they descended 2 hours back to the Millenium Campsite, where they will have a good meal and a long time of rest.

The team wants to thank everyone for believing in them and for their support!

Update from Team Kili - June 28

2009-06-28T18:24:00.002-07:00

This update comes from Team Hovet: AJ Hovet, John Schiebe and Jim Stelzer:

AJ reported that the trek from the Karanga Campsite was a steep climb; it was smooth, but a few sections were full of boulders. During this climb, the sighted guides really had to use their guiding skills to help the team through. Everyone is doing very well and they intend to make it the rest of the way.

John described the day as warm and beautiful. The team was scheduled to arrive at the Barafu Campsite at 15,500ft, but is currently at the Kosavo Campsite at 16,000ft due to the encouragement of their awesome guide, Nickson. The team is doing an incredible job, even with a few challenges along the way. John said the team is nervous, but its a good kind of nervous, because tomorrow they reach the summit!

The plan for tomorrow is to leave between midnight and 3am and head as a group to Stella Point (approximately 18,900ft) around sunrise. This stop is about 45 minutes to 1 hour from the summit.

Jim Stelzer described the clothing strategy for the rest of the climb. Because they are expecting VERY cold weather, the team will be wearing several layers. They'll begin with long underwear, light fleece, a layer of heavy fleece, Gortex wind resistant pants and jackets, and the top layer will be down pants and jackets. Brrr!

Both John and Jim took some time to thank all of the supporters of See Kili Our Way, especially family and friends. John mentioned a special hello and love to his wife and son, Landon, who turned 18 months today. The sacrifices of the families have made a huge impact on where Team Kili is today. The team is thinking about all of you and thank you all for your support, thoughts and prayers.

Team Kili plans to get everyone to the top!!!

Update from Team Kili - June 27

2009-06-28T18:18:00.003-07:00

This update comes from Team Kili Guide, Kevin Cherilla:

Team Kili is doing well after a 6 1/2 hour hike from Barranco Camp (13,200ft) to the Karanga Campsite. Everyone is feeling strong, the team is moving well together and are planning to get a good night's rest before moving on to the next campsite at approximately 15,400ft.

Update from Team Kili - June 26

2009-06-26T09:26:00.003-07:00

This update comes from blind climber, Cindy Wilhelmi:

After camping a very cold night of 21 degrees at Lava Tower, Team Kili woke up to a sunny, cloudless morning with a beautiful view of the summit. They ate a great breakfast and packed up the camp to start the descent toward the next stop, Barranco Campsite. Lava Towers sits at approximately 14,900ft and the Barranco Campsite sits at approximately 13,100ft. Cindy described the trail as challenging with a lot of loose rocks. Because of the difficult terrain, one climber twisted an ankle and another took a fall and now has a sore back, but both climbers are recuperating well. Team Kili expected the trek to take about 3 hours, but it ended up taking them 4 1/2 hours.

Cindy depicted the Barranco Campsite as having beautiful scenery and an amazing view of the summit. As shown in the photo above, Team Kili has a direct view of the Barranco Wall they will climb tomorrow.

After resting, half of Team Kili did an extra hike (approximately 2 hours) around the Barranco Huts. They came upon a half dozen waterfalls and gorgeous surroundings. They took lots of pictures of the area because words just can't describe the beauty. Overall, Team Kili is doing well!

Update from Team Kili - June 25

2009-06-25T11:36:00.003-07:00

This update comes from blind climber, Tanner Robinson:

Team Kili hiked from Shira Camp to Lava Tower (pictured above). Lava Tower is at approximately 14,800ft. The hike took about 5 hours, it was an easy trail but the team is starting to feel the effects of the higher altitude. Tanner said there was heavy cloud coverage throughout the hike, but the sun eventually peeked out from behind the clouds. When the team got closer to Lava Tower, it began to snow lightly. The team has begun to layer their clothes to keep warm and have been using and appreciating all of their gear. They are now at the foot of the glacier and are amazed by the size of the huge icicles hanging from the glacier. Overall, it was a good hike and Team Kili is now half way to the summit!!

Update from Team Kili - June 24

2009-06-24T09:52:00.002-07:00

This update comes from Patrick McFarlan, one of Max Ashton's sighted guides.

After waking up at the Machame Campsite, Team Kili began Day 2's hike at 8:30am. Because of the slope at the Machame site, they didn't get the best night's rest but everyone was in good spirits. From the Machame Campsite (approximately 10,000ft) they made their way to the Shira Campsite (approximately 12,500ft) gaining 2,500ft of elevation. With everyone keeping a very steady pace, the hike took them 6 hours to complete, which falls in the middle of the estimated time of completion. Patrick described the hike as a technical climb for the blind members of the team. At times, they would pass their poles to the guides and use their hands along the rocks. Guide Kevin Cherilla told the team that this leg was the most technical of the entire trek. Team Kili settled in at the Shira Campsite for dinner and rest. The team is doing great and looking forward to Day 3's hike to Lava Towers (approximately 14,500ft) which will take the team about 4 hours.

Team Kili Update - June 23

2009-06-24T09:24:00.002-07:00

Because the internet connection on Mt. Kilimanjaro is not strong, many of the updates may be relayed by voicemail.

Blind Climber, Tom Hicks, left a detailed voicemail about the climb on Day 1.

The first climb went very well! There were no injuries and everyone is doing great. Team Kili began the trek through shambas and montane rain forest and ended at the Machame Campsite (9,840 ft. / 2998 m). It took a total of 5 hours and 45 minutes, a total time that Guide Kevin Cherilla was very impressed with! The trail began, what Tom described, as a 4-wheel drive road, then narrowed and the team was hiking in a single file line. There were many rock steps and it was extremely vertical...3,800ft vertical, that is. Tom described the day as challenging and it seemed to take a really long time. After the long day, they settled at the Machame Campsite for a late dinner of soup, hot tea, pasta with vegetables and potatoes. He mentioned that everyone was so tired and exhausted that some members of the team were falling asleep during dinner. It was cold and wet, so they changed into dry clothes and were settling in for the night of sleep. Although, long and challenging, Day 1 was great!

Team Kili on Good Morning Arizona Tomorrow

2009-06-23T13:45:00.003-07:00

Wake up early or set your DVR, Team Kili will be on Good Morning Arizona (KTVK Channel 3) tomorrow at 6:30AM! Tune in to view a Skype segment with the news team as they check in on their progress. If you happen to miss the show, check back to the blog for a link to the video. Go Team Kili!

Update from Team Kili - June 22

2009-06-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

Team Kili arrived safely in Kilimanjaro late Sunday, June 21st. Marc Ashton, Foundation for Blind Children CEO, described the setting as beautiful and breathtaking. They are surrounded by the rain forest and lush greenery…much different than our desert setting in Phoenix! The team is staying at the gorgeous Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge where they had a wonderful breakfast before departing for the Mwereni Integrated School for the Blind. The school and community welcomed them with a four hour reception filled with traditional native dances, songs and poetry. There are 48 blind students at the school, along with 600 other sighted students. Team Kili presented the students with a donation of forty Perkins braille writers, braille paper, travel canes, sunglasses and magnifying glasses. The students were so grateful and appreciative.

The team returned to the lodge to pack and rest for the first day of hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. The hike will begin at 11:00 am and they will hike until approximately 5:00 pm. Everyone is very excited and realizing the year of training becomes reality tomorrow morning!