Dean Keitsch a 37 year old fisherman from Richmond is very proud to be a member of the 2001 Summits of Hope team. Watching several of his fisherman friends pass away from cancer at an early age has brought the cause close to home. His own healthy five year old son gives him inspiration to help find a cure for children with this deadly disease.

An avid outdoorsman, Dean has been alpine hiking, camping, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains of British Columbia for many years. Although his job requires him to spend a lot of time on the water, his heart is always in the mountains. A steady workout regimen, much experience in the wilderness and a vast knowledge of outdoor survival keeps Dean always ready for new challenges. Being part of the Summits of Hope 2001 Kilimanjaro Expedition will not only help to raise money for the B.C. Children's Hospital but also fulfill a lifelong dream for Dean.

My past climbs: Mt. Kilimanjaro