Journey to Kilimanjaro and Beyond - Page 3

Despite their individual challenges, every single member of the team pushed through their pain and helped each other with each step to reach Gilman's Point at 5681m - a miracle under the circumstances. It was an extraordinary victory for the whole team to get that far, and an intensely emotional experience when three members had to turn back and only 6 of the original 9 would go on for the final summit.

The final 200m ascent would take two hours.

The impact and legacy of this journey has only just begun, but it will live on inside all those who participated as an example of what is possible in spite of the odds. Life will throw curve balls at each of us, but the grace and courage with which we
respond are truly the hallmarks of greatness.

This team demonstrated to themselves and to the world that there is nothing impossible to a willing heart and resilient spirit - even with diabetes. And regardless of the outcome, the journey to reach for personal best is worth every single step.

Diabetes can be a curse or a gift. The choice is up to you. Let it lift you higher and challenge you to be more in spite of it.

The Kilimanjaro team raised $50,000 for JDRF to support research for a cure. While they all remain hopeful that a cure is around the corner, they intend to remain unstoppable in the face of diabetes until a cure is found.

*The documentary which tells the remarkable story of this team's journey is in development. You can find out more about "Conquering Sugar Mountain" at www.csmthemovie.com.

Read a letter from Sebastien from his latest adventure, climbing Mt. Lenin in Kyrgysztan.