Kilimanjaro: A Journey of Purpose and Hope

This October, I will set off on a journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa. The other five adventurers and I in this group led by Embark Exploration Co. are inspired to climb not only for personal ambition but for a cause that can save lives and make a difference in others.

More than a personal challenge, this expedition is a campaign with St. Jude Heroes to each raise $12,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Together, we will raise more than $72,000 for St. Jude.

The St. Jude Heroes program is a fundraising initiative that allows individuals participating in athletic events, such as marathons and triathlons, to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Each participant, by embarking on personal athletic challenges, also undertakes a mission to ensure that no family at St. Jude ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. This effort not only supports life-saving research and care but also spreads awareness about the hospital’s vital mission.

The trek goes beyond the physical climb, driven by a goal to give back to those offering hope and healing to children battling cancer. I’m fortunate that my three children have not faced this fight, but I have friends who have.

Like me, I’m sure you know people who have sat in a doctor’s office and heard those terrible words, “It’s cancer,” after weeks or months of trying to figure out why their child had been sick. Of those, you and I both know far more than we should who have had to endure the worst pain a parent can imagine in the loss of their child.

The motivation for my climb is the strength of children like those at St. Jude and their families, who battle pediatric cancer with bravery every day. They are the real heroes.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital stands as a pillar of support for these families, ensuring that no parent is burdened by the cost of their child's medical care. St. Jude’s revolutionary approach to pediatric cancer treatment has significantly improved survival rates—from a mere 20% to over 80% since the hospital's inception. Their dedication to sharing research freely makes each advancement a beacon of hope for children worldwide.

Our group’s climb aims to support this vital work, contributing to a future where no child's life is cut short by cancer.

Training for Kilimanjaro is both rigorous and reflective. From hiking several miles with significant elevation gain, and hours on the Stairmaster with a weighted vest on, to cycling hundreds of miles each week, the physical and mental conditioning required provides plenty of time to think about the difference St. Jude can make in the lives of those who need it most.

Beyond the extensive physical conditioning, my involvement includes a commitment to engage and educate potential supporters about the significance of St. Jude’s work. Every step I take towards the summit will symbolize a step towards hope and recovery for a child facing cancer.

The support of the community is crucial. I urge you to join me in this cause, whether through donations, sharing our mission, or offering words of encouragement. Your involvement extends the reach of this lifesaving mission.

Dr. James Downing, president of St. Jude, articulates the impact of St. Jude’s collective efforts:

“Every child saved at St. Jude represents thousands more saved worldwide through our sharing of research and treatment protocols.”

When St. Jude’s research provides a breakthrough in treatment, the hospital shares it freely amongst the worldwide medical community.

Please consider supporting St. Jude through sponsoring this climb. Your contribution can spark change and offer new hope to families grappling with pediatric cancer. Together, we can help ensure that St. Jude continues to provide their lifesaving treatments and research.

Every gift, no matter the amount, makes an impact. Every penny goes a long way. For just $40, you could provide a St. Jude family with meals for one day in the St. Jude cafeteria.

For more information on how to contribute or to join me in supporting St. Jude through climbing the mountain, please visit my website at https://brandoncox.co/kilimanjaro/ or donate directly to St. Jude at http://heroes.stjude.org/brandonjcox. Together, we ascend; together, we achieve.

Even when the climb is done, the fight to end childhood cancer continues.