Because it is something I've wanted to do for a long time.  It is also something I fear, I'm afraid of heights.  But you know what?  Aside from all the physical work I'm doing to prepare, there is the mental work.  I need to face my fear head on, shake it's hand and say "thank you for visiting, but I have a mountain to climb". 

I am doing this as a symbol of the strength it takes to renew a life.  Over 15 years ago I lived in a shelter for battered women after fleeing for my life from domestic violence.  I had been shot, suffered broken ribs, a broken arm, beaten to unconsciousness, strangled, had a knife to my throat more then I can remember.......but I survived.  I found my strength and I left, never to return.

By climbing Mt. Rainier, I hope that those who have suffered at the hands of abuse and domestic violence can find their strength.  Perhaps those in abuse can see, there is a chance at a new life, a new beginning to their world.  I wrote my story with the intention to empower survivors of Domestic Violence.  I created Project Empowerment to bring listeners the people who are working hard to make their world a better place and it's quickly become an audio resource for many survivors.  But I felt the need to do more, so this climb came together.  It is part of my own path of healing and I hope an inspiration for you as well.

Please support this work by sponsoring the climb, purchasing a team T-Shirt or simply donating a few dollars that is going to Girl Child Network Worldwide and The Pixel Project.  Help us spread the word to empower survivors of domestic violence and abuse....one step at a time.

www.climbforempowerment.com

Climb for Empowerment

September 1-3, 2011