How are these things related?

The year my girlfriend developed stomach cancer, my life changed forever. The following year, she developed breast cancer. If I thought the first experience was difficult, the second one was far more challenging. She successfully survived both experiences and now it is my turn to do my part to combat cancer.

I am now participating in a cancer fundraising project organized by Pack Paddle Ski, a local outdoor adventure company, in association with the American Cancer Society to raise funds for cancer research by climbing 19,344' Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. There will be 40 climbers ascending the mountain in 4 teams along 4 different routes, meeting simultaneously at the top at daybreak on Mar 2nd, 2008 to celebrate life, beauty and a community of support. The climb will take between 8 and 10 days depending on the route. Each of the climbers has been personally affected by cancer and each must raise $2500 in donations to the American Cancer Society during the course of this year. I am calling out to all who are willing to make a donation to support this worthy cause. Checks should be made out to the American Cancer Society with my name "Carroll Wilcox" and "Kili" on the memo line so that they can tally the amounts applied against my obligation. Donations can be mailed to:

Carroll Wilcox
140 Maple Ave
Rochester, NY 14609

You may be asking yourself what this has to do with Aikido. I am a shodan at the Rochester dojo and my years of training have been especially important in helping me deal with these difficult and challenging experiences. My training has helped to keep me focused and more relaxed. The emphasis in our style on relaxing progressively has improved my ability to deal with the stress of cancer treatment and to help support my partner through her trials without giving in to despair. A positive outlook is essential in promoting healing and recovery and is just as essential for the caregiver as for the patient.

I hope none of you have to go through a similar experience but with the help of your donations to support cancer research, maybe you won't have to. If you would like to learn more about this project, to see pictures and the comments of some of those involved and to follow our progress to achieve our goals, visit the web site http://www.JourneysOfInspiration.com. I thank you in advance for your support.

In January Ray Easton and Brian Mullaly tested for 5th kyu (second orange belt) and Anne Marshall and Jesse Yang tested for 3rd kyu (second blue belt). Congratulations to all on your new ranks!

New Mat Top Installation - Sat. February 10 after 10:00 am class, please join us!

Winter Camp - Fri. March 9-Sun. March 11, Lawrenceville, NJ, see dojo bulletin board for details.

Summer Camp - Thurs. July 19-Sun. July 22, Villa Nova, PA in the air conditioned Jake Nevin Field House, watch bulletin board for more details.

Light is the task where many share the toil.
~ Homer