Lying broken in my hospital bed, I shared my dream of once again climbing the Yosemite Valley test piece - “Outer Limits”. I saw the disbelief and embarrassment on the faces of my friends. I kept my dream to myself.

Almost two years to the day of the accident I was back in “the valley” looking up the unrelenting granite face.

No climb had ever meant so much to me. Sixteen years later I can still feel the sickness in my stomach, the weakness in my fingers, as I stood naked before my fears and aspirations. I can also feel that moment when my insecurities turned to triumph. It was a pivotal point in my development when I realized that I would never let any person or group of people define me or my expectations.

For me, and I believe the world, Mt.Everest represents overcoming tremendous odds to achieve a dream. The most valuable lesson I have taken away from climbing “Outer Limits” and Mt. Everest is that dreams are sequential. A dream fulfilled gives birth to a loftier goal. By achieving our dreams we are propelled into what will ultimately become our destiny.

After standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, I saw a chance to make a difference and committed myself to that path. “The Seven Summits” and the Wind Horse Legacy are the outgrowths of this commitment. It is my way of giving back.

Am I idealistic and an incurable optimist? Absolutely. But, I believe these are qualities the world needs right now. Margaret Mead said: “Never doubt that a small group of committed individuals can change the world, indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.

If you’re feeling skeptical, imagine that you’re sitting at the side of my hospital bed. Both my legs are shattered, both knees chronically damaged, my right foot freshly amputated and I’m telling you I am going to climb Mt. Everest!

Sincerely,