Kilimanjaro Climb for 22q13 Deletion Foundation Raised More Than $34,000 - May 2007
By Cern Basher
22q13 Support Group Parent

Hi,

Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world, rising 4,600m (15,000 ft) from the base, and includes the highest peak in Africa at 5,895m (19,340 ft), providing the dramatic view from the surrounding plains. Joining me on this climb is my father, and good friends Wendy and Dan. We've trained for months and have begun our challenge.

We are taking part in the Kilimanjaro Climb 2007 to raise money in honor of Dane for 22q13 Deletion Foundation. Dane is one of about 350 people in the world known to be diagnosed with the 22q13 deletion. We would really welcome your support.

Please take a moment to sponsor me. No amount is too small. It will all add up to significant funds for the Foundation to support its mission. It's really easy - you can donate online by credit card and receive a record of your donation. It takes a matter of minutes, is totally secure and you can leave a message with your donation too.

All donations are secure and sent directly to 22q13 Deletion Foundation. None of the funds raised will be used to pay for the cost of the climb.

Please join me in supporting the 22q13 Deletion Foundation and please help us spread the word about our climb and this fundraising effort.

Do come back often to read our daily itinerary. Thank you.

~ Cern

We are proud to report that the "Kilimanjaro Climb" raised more than $34,000 for the 22q13 Deletion Foundation.

With heavy rainstorms in the morning and a chill in the air, April 23, 2006, did not start out as a picture perfect day for an outdoor adventure in central New Jersey. Mercifully, the skies relented and despite lingering mud and dreary conditions, 23 of Mason Walsh’s friends and family joined with him to participate in the Miles for Matheny Wheelchair Walk as “Team Mason.” The 1-mile walk is part of an annual event that raises money for the Matheny Medical and Educational Center in Peapack, N.J. The Matheny School is part of the Center. Fourteen-year-old Mason is a student there.

We are proud to report that Team Mason raised more than $2,300 for the Matheny School, the second highest fundraising amount of any team. We are just as proud that the members of Team Mason raised awareness of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and the 22q13 Deletion Foundation by wearing green T-shirts embroidered with the Foundation’s information. Three dollars from the sale of each T-shirt benefited the Foundation. Many thanks to Nick Assendelft, Vice-President of the Foundation, for going out of his way to ensure that we received the shirts in time. It goes without saying that Team Mason was, by far, the best looking team out there.

By all accounts, this year’s event was a success. Nonetheless, we’re hoping for better weather next year and more participants. If you are interested in joining us or otherwise supporting Team Mason, please contact Maureen Kramer at mwalshkramer@yahoo.com.

We are proud to report that "Team Mason" raised more than $2,300 for the Matheny School in Peapack, NJ. Go Team!

~ Maureen Kramer and Jeanne Walsh