Mt. Everest: It’s Time

Six months of hard training is in the bank. Tomorrow morning, I will lug a pair of 120-liter gear bags to the airport and get on the plane for Kathmandu.

Destination: Mt. Everest, 29,029 feet/8,848 meters. The summit of the highest mountain in the world.

No matter what happens, three things are certain: I’ve given it everything I’ve got to prepare physically and mentally. I’m in good hands with the guides at Alpine Ascents International. And I’m eternally grateful for all of your support for the Everest Climb to Fight Cancer campaign at Fred Hutch.

The fundraising total for cancer research stands at $329,110.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

What can you expect between now and when I get home to the U.S. on June 2?

1. Six episodes of The Long Run podcast. They will air on schedule every two weeks through June 6. Vicki Sato is the guest on the next show. Watch for that one Mar. 28.
2. Smart industry coverage. TR contributing writers Kyle Serikawa and Timothy Hay, formerly of The Wall Street Journal, will publish pieces.
3. A pause on business correspondence. When on the mountain, I will be focused on the mountain. If you need to reach me about anything business-related, we’ll talk in June.
4. Team updates from the mountain. Many of you want to know how to follow the expedition. I will not be blogging, tweeting or podcasting from Base Camp (see Everest FAQs). But expedition leader Ben Jones of Alpine Ascents International will narrate regular updates – in text and via satellite phone audio. Here’s the link to bookmark: https://www.alpineascents.com/climbs/mount-everest/cybercasts/
5. Afterward, photos from the top of the world. I made sure my point-and-shoot digital zoom camera can be operated with bulky mittens. I will be carrying a notebook and pen (rated for -30 Fahrenheit temperatures). I’ll be thinking about articles, slideshows or talks that may come after the climb.

For more background on the Climb to Fight Cancer and the Everest expedition, check the links below.

http://engage.fredhutch.org/site/PageServer?pagename=2011climb_greeting

https://timmermanreport.com/everest-fundraiser-for-cancer-research/

Thank you to the folks at Fred Hutch, and a few special guests, for making this send-off video. I’ve really enjoyed working with you on this.

Keep pursuing your great adventures in biotech. — Luke