When we at Peaks for Change Foundation started the 7 Summits Initiative to bring awareness to Mental Health and to raise funds for CAMH’s Bridging Clinic, we did not think it would be so hard.
But we quickly found raising money IS hard. Climbing the final summit, Everest, is also hard. So too is bringing people together to help end the stigma surrounding Mental Health.
After I left Everest last year, sick, I did not think I had the courage to go back and attempt it again. But here I am, a year later, ready to try. I can do hard things and I will be going to Nepal on April 24 and making my way to Everest, to finish what I started!
Sure, my anxiety is high. I keep playing the scenario from last year over and over again in my head (read my post “Who is Your Human Anchor” to see what I am talking about) but I have this calm faith this year. I know God will not let the dark fears of the ice fall overtake my determination. I know he will protect me.
I am in a good place. My mental health feels good. I embrace and acknowledge the detours life has placed before me, the unplanned circumstances and illnesses that I had to endure, and the challenges I have had to overcome. I happily celebrate the big and small accomplishments from this past year, and I move forward with hope. I am ready!
Now I get to finish what I started and climb the final summit for the 7 Summits Initiative – Everest! With your help, I can also continue raising money for the CAMH Bridging Clinic and bring awareness to the stigma surrounding mental health. Is it still hard? Sure, but I’ve got this.
Look out Everest, here I come!
Ema Dantas
Chair of the Board