Climbing for The Children’s

Thursday, October 7, 2010 - 12:46
You may know her as a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at the MCH, wife and mother of 2, but come January, Dr. Sharon Abish will also be known as a mountain climber.

In just a few months, she and her husband will join a team of 10 individuals who will trek Mount Kilimanjaro, known to many as the highest freestanding mountain in the world. The adventure is part of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation’s One million kilometres, one million dollars campaign, a year-long initiative which encourages members of the community to be more active, while raising funds to support The Children’s young patients.

Departing on the 17th of January, the team will arrive in Tanzania, Africa on the 18th and begin their adventure just two days later. Their 10-day trek will be guided by Tusker Trail, an outfitting operation that will provide medical surveillance, as well as food and eating arrangements. According to many experts and Dr. Abish’s research, the trek will  get more taxing as they climb and must contend with high altitude, lower temperatures and occasional high winds.
 
Despite these challenges, Dr. Abish insists she has always wanted to do something like this.  “I have repeatedly been inspired by the strength and courage of the children and families I have worked with,” she says, “and I am motivated by the importance of the work of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation.”
 
Her husband’s participation in the climb is equally exciting. After undergoing open heart surgery 2 years ago, he has returned to top form and is now looking forward to sharing the experience with her – an added motivation to embark on this journey.
 
In preparation for the event, the team of 12 climbers has gone on a number of hikes around the Montreal area, and can be seen climbing stairs at Mount Royal every week. “If I am spotted walking up and down the stairs around the hospital, I hope people will not laugh but rather give words of encouragement!,” she quips, admitting that she is most looking forward to the moment she reaches the top.
 
To help Dr. Abish reach her fundraising goal of $10,000 you can support her by visiting her webpage, which can be found at www.1millionkm.com and clicking on “Sponsor a Team or Participant”.