Acknowledgments

Half Dome Challenge has been a chronicle of my journey up a mountain and into better health, and of the many interesting things that happened along the way.  As with all journeys, there have been many people and organizations along the way who encouraged and supported me in this endeavor.  I would like to thank the following people and organizations:

• God, for creating such a stupendous natural wonder for all of us to enjoy.
• My parents, without whom I would not be here.
• My husband Duane, for beginning this journey with me and walking by my side almost all of the way.  If not for his support, none of this would have happened.
• Team in Training, for getting me started and giving me the information and education necessary to be successful.  This very worthy organization raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
• Deb Batton, the coach who encouraged me to keep trying, even when I didn't make the "cut".
• Chris Swartout, who also believed in me, who joined me on many conditioning hikes and who provided much backpacking wisdom and the opportunity to backpack in style with him and his family.
• REI, especially for taking back three pairs of boots until I finally found the right ones.  My feet thank you!  Their fantastic customer service and knowledge about gear puts them a gigantic step ahead of their competition.
• Rick Deutsch (aka Mr. Half Dome), who is always a font of information and wisdom about hiking the Half Dome trail.

We Did What?

Please send Duane and Christina packing - to the summit of Yosemite's Half Dome! What better way to get in shape, lose weight, and raise money for a good cause all at the same time?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training organization has agreed to train us in fitness and endurance hiking. Our goal is to hike from valley floor to the summit of Half Dome on June 20, 2009.

The catch is, besides getting fit, we each need to raise $3,200 in donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We ask for your help in this challenge.

Your donations will make a difference in many lives. And, this is a high-leverage deal you cannot pass up; it is far better than a Ponzi scheme! Duane's employer Google will generously match your gift (to Duane only). And our federal government guarantees you a 30% return on your investment in one year! Your gift grows three times larger:

For a $100 donation, your net cost after taxes is about $65. Your $100 plus Google's match becomes $200. All of this will go to cancer research and patient services; we've handled our training costs.

We'll be hiking in honor of:

• Loren Sand
• Christina & Duane's Mom & Dad
• Louise Sciutti
• Rose Capurro
• Peter Gnemmi
• Gene Berman
• Dr. Mitchel Berger
• Dr. Michael McDermott
• Dr. Bruce O. Berg
• All of the incredible volunteers of the To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation

We'll be hiking in memory of:

• Elizabeth Burkhalter Ruyle
• Toni Sciutti
• George Berry, KC6ULT, SK
• Sara LaBoskey

Please make a donation to support our participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission.

We hope you will visit this blog often. We'll be posting updates on our progress. Thanks for your support!