Growing up in BC since the age of 7, the outdoors have been a big part of my life, enjoying running, cycling, hiking, beach volleyball, and snowshoeing. Recent years have brought more opportunity for exploring other parts of the world and enjoying the beauty and people outside of North America. My first climb with Summits of Hope was in October 2007, when the team travelled to Ecuador and summitted 4 peaks! Being part of a team of 17 climbers was an amazing experience that I will never forget. There is nothing like climbing a mountain with a group of inspiring, motivating, and supportive people who all have the same goal - to reach the top and raise money for sick children in BC. I anticipate that being a member of the Summits of Hope team this year will be just as inspiring and I look forward to the challenge of the climb and sharing it with a new group of friends.

I currently work as an Occupational Therapist at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre on the Acquired Brain Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation Team. I've been working as an OT for six years since graduation from UWO in London, Ontario in 2003. Helping people to regain their independence after surviving the traumatic and life altering experience of a brain injury is a rewarding and challenging job and has inspired me in part to join Summits of Hope to climb for those who cannot.

I first learned of Summits of Hope 7 years ago through my brother-in-law. Following the climbers along in their adventures around the world to Mt. Elbrus, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Everest Base Camp has been amazing and the experience of high altitude climbing in Ecuador was so rewarding (and challenging!) that I couldn't pass up the opportunity of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.

My true inspiration for this climb however is my 5 year old niece Katie. Katie was born in 2004 with the diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Our family quickly realized that we had been blessed with a sweet, good-hearted and happy little girl! We are lucky that she has not had many of the medical problems that can be associated with Down Syndrome, however she has needed and benefited from services offered through the Down Syndrome Research Foundation. The generosity of family and friends allowed me to raise over $6000 in 2007, with the majority of those donations going to the DSRF for programs and services for children with Down Syndrome, as well as to BC Children's Hospital. This year I will be raising money solely for BC Children's Hospital in honour of Katie and all children who receive outstanding health care through BCCH.

Thank you to everyone who supported me on my last climb and for your ongoing support this year!

My past climbs: Ecuador 2007

My fundraising goal: $6500

My highest altitude: 19,342 feet

I am raising money for: BC Children's Hospital

I am climbing for: my niece Katie

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