35 INTERNATIONAL CLIMBERS SCALED MT KINABALU

September 9-10, 2011

Early on the morning of September 10th, 35 international climbers from 9 different countries (England, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, China, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia and the USA) climbed Mt Kinabalu, and made history by raising the Coalition Duchenne banner. On this day we raised global awareness for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

35 climbers responded to our call to action. We were humanity coming together to climb for the boys and young men with Duchenne who face far greater challenges than any mountain peak.

Our team of 35 climbed during the day, and in the early morning darkness, through the rain and the wind and cold. They huddled together on the summit at around 5am waiting for the sunrise, realizing they could no longer feel their fingers or toes.

The climb was tiring and it was challenging. But it was not as tiring and challenging as life is for boys with Duchenne.

For me Mt Kinabalu stands for stability, strength and hope. The climb was at times difficult. But we never gave up hope. We believed in hope in the face of difficulty and in the face of adversity. As a symbol of hope, Mt Kinabalu gives me hope as a mother on a journey with a son suffering from Duchenne.

Duchenne is a difficult road, and presents many challenges along the way. Duchenne steals many things, your ability to walk, to hug, to move, to talk, to breathe, but there is that something inside of you, that it can never get to, that it can never take… Hope.

Raising awareness for Duchenne today has given new hope and optimism for those living with Duchenne. With more awareness, we will attract more funding and treatments and a cure for Duchenne.

We came together as nations, as people, as individuals, to help. We reached our goal.

Thank you to everyone who climbed. Thank you to those of you who flew internationally, who traveled to Malaysia, to those of you who put aside your busy lives, I thank you deeply for our new friendships. I thank you for your time, your compassion, your contribution and your kindness.

Thank you to all the people of Sabah who showed such kindness to my son wherever he went.

The response has been overwhelming. Everyone came forward with enthusiasm, generosity and compassion.

I am truly grateful.

With sincere gratitude,

Cath