For: Gene

Regarding your email about the posts, I don't know what part of "keep it clean" your mother didn't understand.

For: All

I've followed your amazing climb and am inspired by your purpose and your strength. Congratulations on finding yourselves in a place few of us will ever know! As this wraps up even we back here can get the sense of coming back from a trip and having to come back 'down to earth' (pun intended). That speaks to the power of what you have accomplished that it touches people who aren't even there. Well done and thank you!

For: joi and kili climbers

To all of u, especially the ladies. It seems like yesterday u were sitting in my house and here u r on the top floor of africa. U are all inspirational and enjoy the oxygen on the way down. Rick looking forward to sitting down when u get home to continue spreading the JOI. Lov

For: gene

just to let you know... the back splash is in, the tv in the kitchen is in, the new granite for the bathroom is in, the beverage chiller is in, we used the oven, there's a few new kitchen gadgets lying around, and you wouldnt believe what tom did the other day, i will tell you when you get back.

For: Gene

Genie! I miss you so much! You're a wonderful role model. Each day, you continue to give me more and more reason to look up to you. I'm gonna put you in a trance with the funky song. 'Cause you gotta be HANGIN' TOUGH. Hang in there, Master. Love, your favorite little sister

For: Gene

Hope you are doing well! We all miss you here. Jordan's games have been excellent. The kids are all doing good. We all had fun at Dr. Patel's party the other day. I lost weight that night...I hated every food tray they had. Right before we left, I did eat two sweet balls. Can't wait to see you. Tell D I said hi and wish everyone on the trip luck for me. XXXOOO Love you, Mom

For: Paul

Make sure you take a picture with your banner so the kids can see it. Enjoy the view! I talked with Jane, Joe, and Pat today. I'm heading to Dansville tomorrow. Too bad I'm going to miss you when you come back. Why do I have to go to work? GRRR. Love ya!

For: Paul H

Just want to continue to cheer you on...sounds like you only have a little ways to go and you will be at the top..and you will have a very big WOW moment...enjoy it as long as you can.

For: Gene

Gene, Playoff game did not go our way tonight! Boys played hard but didn't win this one. Jordan blamed the "moving screens" Love you Bet you are reaching the top now. Cant wait to hear all about it. Love from all of Colonia! We love you!

For: The entire group (minus Lisa)

Psst....hey everyone, don't tell Lisa but I think she is oxygen deprived and hallunicating - making those references to Star Trek!! Actually, if any of you up there want to tie her up in her sleeping bag and roll her down the hill for comparing one of the defining events of your life to an episode of Star Trek, you have my permission. Enjoy your monumental day tomorrow!!!

For: Peter & Christine

Peter, Richard Vosko (Fr.) said he was envious of You, and he would be thinking of you & saying a prayer! Christine... no showers...hum you guys are really having a once in a life time experience!. Inspired thought: Acknowledge the totality of your being, in the breathelessness, cold, tireness, and the awe-struck beauty of experience. Our love to you both. xoxo Mary & Tim.

For: Lisa

Lisa, You are really an inspiration. Almost there and you sound great. Mark, Lisa, Mia, Louie & Joey

For: Aunt Marcia

We love you, Marcia!! Good luck making it to the top! You're our HERO! We're here in Madison doing boring things like work and school. not a bad way to celebrate your birthday(s), huh? Cheering you all on.

For: Vicki & Chris

Good luck all. You can do it!

For: Lisa

Love to hear your voice Lisa. Your breathing and Star Trek episode reference are truly awesome! Take very good care - each and every one.

For: Auntie Den

Hey auntie den! The trip sounds like a lot of fun, but still challenging! Hope all is well on the mount and its shaping up to be the unforgettable experience that was expected. Climbing a mountain sounds much better than climbing the mountainous pile of homework I have, but sadly I'm here in New Hampshire so you'll have to do it for me! Hope to hear from you soon and good luck!

For: Mary Ann

We are all thinking of you constantly..........sure wish we could get a play-by-play down the home stretch. Sure are proud to have you part of the family

For: Lee / Lisa

So good to hear your voice Lee, you sound great! Good luck, hope you got my previous inspirational quotes.

For: To Lee and all

Hello and best wishes from sealevel. Your wonderful feats and accomplishments proves that we can always make our dreams come true with a little help from our friends. just know that your support is all around you from not only your fellow climbers but from sll your family snd friends.... I being one........Continued success, support and love to all

For: Lisa / Lee

Taken from my great,great,grandfather's journal: - "To those who have struggled with them, the mountains reveal beauties that they will not disclose to those who make no effort. That is the reward the mountains give to effort. And it is because they have so much to give and give it so lavishly to those who will wrestle with them that men love the mountains and go back to them again and again. The mountains reserve their choice gifts for those who stand upon their summits". Stand tall t

For: Lisa / Lee

I'm reminded of my English teacher's words to me: - "Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top; it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others..it rises from your heart". Of course she was quoting Junko Tabei after becoming first woman to climb Everest. Paul x

For: Dad (Peter) and Christine

Great job so far, some inspiration quotes for the final summit push, "One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened", Zen Master Futomaki "Ask yourself: Can I give more?. The answer is usually: 'Yes'," Paul Tergat, Kenyan professional marathoner "It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves," Edmund Hillary -Good luck everyone!

For: Lisa

Lisa, I share the inspirational thoughts and heartfelt feelings of the folks who've posted above me. You are remarkable! This accomplishment will be something you will cherish and draw strength from forever. And when you're back, I'm sure you'll never, ever hear any more jokes about those "little legs"! They are long enough to reach the ground, and strong enough to reach this high summit.

For: Katie and Derek

Type your message here...Hey Katie and Derek, Touch the sky for us- so awesome. Tom is out tapping, should have some fresh syrup by the time you get home. Love you, Ginette and Tom

For: My heroes

Ah, the Barafu Camp! I remember it well! The silk sheets, the room service, the wonderful dessert menu! The heated pool was a little cooler than expected but the masseuse made up for it! Seems like just yesterday! Still can't believe the chairlift that takes you to the top! Such wonderful views! Enjoy the caviar and champagne when you reach the top - it's delicious! The zip line back down is still my favorite part! Congrats to all!! In my eyes, you hit the summit when you got on the plane!!!

For: Lisa (Lee) and All

You are all about to wake up and start your climb...All of our hearts and prayers are with you. "Heights by great men reached and kept were not obtained by sudden flight but, while their companions slept, they were toiling upward in the night." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 143

For: D & Gene

Can't believe you are almost there! It's really unbelievable that you are doing this - and I hope that isn't lost on you for a minute. The magnitude of what you are doing is so incredible, that with every step you should also be applauding yourselves (although that might slow you down some). Keep climbing! Can't wait to have you home and treat you to Hooters Wings! You read that right...

For: Lisa and all.....

I am so overwhelmed at just the thought of what you will experience at sunrise and what you have all accomplished. Impossible to imagine what you all must be feeling. I am so proud! Lisa it was so great to hear your voice! (and quoting Star Trek by episode number, you go! Big points scored there!) You are going to make the summit!!!!!! Tearing up thinking of you all. Thoughts and prayers are with you for tonights trek. You will all be on my mind when I see the sun rise here tomorrow morning.243

For: Lisa and Team

Congratulations on your journey! I'm so proud of you and what you are achieving. Can't believe you referenced Star Trek... maybe that Starfleet Academy sticker was YOUR idea. Hot tub Thursday night.. be there.

For: Gene,Deirdre,Rick, Yusuf and ALL JOI '12 ers

You're sooo close! .. almost as if you can indeed touch the stars above w/the lights of Moshi sooo far far below You.. Best of LUCK and just try to tell me that THE SUMMIT is NOT among the most emotional exhilarating moments of your life as that Sun breaks over that 1200 miles of visible horizon: Godspeed! keith d. ;-)

For: mary ann

how exciting..the light at the top of the montain.... a thrill for us both....art

For: Marcia

The howls and meows in Wayne County and Long Beach are singing for your Cancer summit !! I am with you and grateful you and Rick can share such an incredibly meaningful experience. Love, kath

For: Mary ann

Glad to get post from today. The depth of your spirit is amazing. If ever there were a prime example of the many steps and haracteristics of the journey itself you are living it. Flights were good to long beach but having a bit of the usual end flight stuff". I'm sooooo with you and sooo proud of you. Love, me Remembered the bootie and the locket!

For: Katie Derek Chris Raiel & Clay

Sleep,sleep...you gotta get some sleep .....right now!....sleep, sleep.

For: Deirdre

Up, Up, and away Like a beautiful balloon. Don't know if you can even soar that high in a balloon, but you are doing it. We are so proud of you. You carry with you so many wishes and messages of love from many of us. We are so excited for you as you reach the summit. What an incredible journey. (We loved the picture of you and Gene.) Reach for the stars and greet the sunrise for all of us. We are with you all the way (in spirit). Love, Dad and Bonnie

For: Peter & Christine

We love hearing and reading about your adventures everyday! Keep up the great climbing! Can't wait to see your pictures when you get home!

For: Lisa and ALL THE CREW

So great to hear your voice Lee, sounds like you have strengths in spades still to draw on. So exciting to be a small part of this adventure. Pull together guys, you are almost there! Love and hugs t oeveryone, Paul & Larry x x

For: D & Gene

I thought I posted, but I can't find it. Sorry if it's a duplicate. I posted the crying song yesterday because I heard it on the radio. I cried at today's post tho (embarrassing) because I'm so excited for you guys. You've got some crazy courage. I'm impressed and inspired. Lisa & Mike are so thankful that you're carrying Mr. Padnes' name up there. I am too! I loved seeing the pic of you both. Miss you guys. I'm sure it's super hard now, but you're almost there. Celebrating you today, guys!

For: Lisa

You missed our 'tiny news'..we were expecting.....and now she has been born! So help us come up with a cool girl Weimmaraner puppy name. We are looking at German names, of course, but it would be cool to come up with a Kili name or Summit name in honor of your feat! Miss you

For: Lisa

So good to hear your voice. Sounds like you're 'at the office'...you've got your training voice on! Watched an episode of Star Trek a couple of nights ago, so I'm picturing the desolate landscape! Exciting to hear you've reached the area where there are no human inhabitants. So, Lee, guess why there are no humans around? Get up to the top & then get your butt back down here! Just hope there is NO Starbucks or Walmart up there! Don't tell if there is! Miss you, thinking about u every fo

For: DARA

What can we say? It's all been said many times by many people - good luck, good wishes, inspiration, perseverance, fortitude,etc. etc. You all have it all. So - "rise" to the occasion and may your Guardian Angels lend wings to your feet.

For: Diana

Well, you'll be in bed in about 30 minutes (or should be according to the post). I hope you get some rest and all of you have a wonderful climb. I'll be thinking of you today while you make your ascent. I'll tell the kids about what you upcoming day/night holds for you. Be safe. Go get em!!! Love You. Bob

For: Lisa

Lisa congratulations! We are excitedly reading your updates of the adventure to the summit!

For: Lisa

I agree with Lori, your breathing reminds me of soccer. And you are about to score the 'Goal' of your lifetime. Shoot for the stars my friend!!

For: Deirdre and all

Ran out of letters,...So, when you're really pooped, just pretend you're a jet!

For: Deirdre and all

As an old pilot, I have huge admiration for your altitude challenges. Beginning at 18000' and above, when talking with air traffic control, we call each 1000 feet of altitude "flight levels" (flight level 180, flight level 190, etc). For the most part only jets reach these higher altitudes & are more efficient in this rarified air. When you reach 18000 and 19000 feet YOU can say you're at flight level 180 and 190 in this privledged airspace. So, when you're really pooped, pretend

For: Lisa (Lee) and All

I may wait to post that humorous account until after you guys reach the summit and are on your way down! Love and hugs to all. You are amazing.

For: To? Vicki

Type your message here...Great to hear that your starting higher then expected to the top. You are the greatest and I know all the training you did will and has pay off for you. I am thinking of you. I wish you a great hike to the top rewarded with a beautiful sunrise. Hugs and kisses. Rod

For: All

My next post will be a rather humorous account of what it feels like to climb at high altitude. I couldn't resist...

For: Lisa (Lee) and All

Actually Lee, it's probably more like episode 1.18 called the Arena in which Captain Kirk fights a monster called the Gorn. Oh, wait, I digress. Sounds like everyone is doing it!!!!! Lee, your breathing pattern sounds like you are playing soccer up there:-) We are so proud of all of you for making the journey of a lifetime. The mountain reveals the best in humanity and nature all at once. And you all get bonus points for hanging out together that long with no showers. Now THAT is truly a feat.

For: all

wow, I forgot to mention that wall thing a day or so ago. OOps. Sorry. Look at what you have accomplished, each of you. You are inspiring so MANY people, as the "posts" tell. We here at acs, and all the cancer, cfs and all charities are SO thankful to you and your supporters for this effort. YOU are extraordinary and amazing people. As are those who support your efforts. You and your supporters are touching the "greater good" in this life. THANK YOU!