Put a Few Enthusiastic Chaps Together and What Happens? a Volcano of Ideas Leads to A

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“Put a few enthusiastic chaps together and what happens? A volcano of ideas leads to a unseen fantasy which they will turn into reality for sure!”

Willem De Wit and Paul De Roeck work as nurses in UZ Leuven Gasthuisberg at the nursery department pneumology. Both share some passions amongst which the care for another. The love for the mountains made them sworn friends.

In September 2013 they attacked the summit of Europe’s highest peak, the Elbrus in Russia (5642m), together with some colleagues. All this did make such a great impression on them that it could not stay without consequences. Once they had both feet on the ground, they couldn’t resist the idea to make a second endeavor, but not without a clear goal. The first climb’s goal was to raise money for a charity called Lolands (A.L.S. or M.N.D. or Lou Gehring Disease). Why not try to repeat this?

Prof. Dr. Lieven Dupont works in their hospital unit. His speciality is asthma and cystic fibrosis (CF). With asthma patients he was able to conquer the Aconcagua (6960m) in Argentina. Also Willem added this adventure to his accomplishments. Paul so far has limited his walking climbs to the Swiss Alps. But the idea to travel with patients to Russia overwhelmed everyone: this time with CF-patients!

We all know CF. The image of young people with breathing problems does not leave one untouched. But this illness is more than just the overflowing of the lungs with viscous mucus. And yet this sickness does not prevent these youngsters to walk through their lives with great ambitions. It is only by their healthy way of living and hard training every day, that they overcome their illness. In this perspective they are an example to us, who are alive and well. Let this be the starting-point of our project : in spite of all adversity and limitations, to look ahead with optimism.

Thanks to living in good health, they are going for the summit of Europe! It goes without saying that this is a huge challenge. This asks for more manpower. The Belgian Association For Cystic Fibroses (Belgische Mucovereniging) is the main organizer. In this way Willem, Paul and their team hope to withhold enough candidates. And as said before, they convinced some extra colleagues along, including an extra doctor, who all have lost their hearts to the mountains.

Willem, Paul and Tim Bernaers (from the “Belgische Mucovereniging”, ) have already achieved a lot of work, but the main job has yet to come: to inform all the CF-centers and to start up the whole event. This is their blood and they are unstoppable . They will only be satisfied when all their patients are standing on the Elbrus summit.

What will take place in 2014? - use the internet for dissemination - arranging big attention of all media - searching for sponsors - selecting candidates and screening them - team building and training - preparing the scientific study

Yes indeed, this is something extraordinary, but therefore not impossible. Above all, these enthusiasts need all possible help that they can get. People, companies or associations who are willing to give financial support, can use the coordinates below. Embrace this project, we really need your help. Don’t forget this friendly gang and give Cystic Fibrosis a heart, your heart! Thanks!

Information or . +32485 756520 +32472 856044

Belgische Vereniging voor Strijd tegen Mucoviscidose• Joseph Borlélaan 12 • 1160 Brussel • T. 0032 2 675 57 69 • F. 0032 2 675 58 99 • www.muco.be Rek Nr = BE62 5230 8010 1261

process oriented experiential learning