1999 Everest Trek for Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association announced today that during the period of November 7-29, 1999, Kevin T. Hanney, age 29, of Harrison, NY will attempt a walking trek to the Base Camp of Mount Everest for the benefit of the Association. Everest, with a peak elevation of 29,028 feet, is the world's tallest mountain, and is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, which are themselves nestled between the countries of India and China. The strenuous three-week hike through the Khumbu region of Nepal will take Mr. Hanney from the capital city of Kathmandu through the hill country of Nepal's Himalayas to elevations in excess of 18,000 feet above sea level. Given the mountainous character of the terrain to be covered, total distance for the trek will be difficult to calculate, but a goal has been set of roughly 20 miles per day, or its equivalent, with a total vertical ascent of almost 40,000 feet.
The Trek is designed with a twofold purpose:
Currently, work is underway on a media campaign to raise public awareness for the Trek, as well as the development of an educational program for schools interested in communicating with Mr. Hanney while he is in Nepal. The goal is to communicate on a daily basis with the media and students while on the trail.First, to raise public awareness of diabetes and its often tragic consequences when left untreated- Diabetes currently affects almost 16 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death by disease in this country, ahead of breast cancer and AIDSSecond, to spur individuals into action for all kinds of charitable work- Mr. Hanney is a financial professional who has put his career on hold for the purpose of completing the trek, and hopes others will follow his example to a greater or lesser degree toward charitable goals
Several companies specializing in satellite communications have been contacted for technical assistance in this effort, including Magellan Systems of San Dimas, CA. Magellan is providing Mr. Hanney with a GSC100 GPS (global positioning system). The GSC 100 features an email capability that will allow him to maintain a dialogue with the students and their teachers as well as the many media sources that have expressed interest in covering the Trek.
The fundraising campaign is targeted toward corporate sponsors as well as individual donations. Mr. Hanney is personally covering all expenses for the trek and fundraising campaign through his professional vehicle, CapitalArts, and additionally the campaign has already snared the support of Manhattan based brokerage firm, GF Tate Securities, Inc. and Long Island based, Schaefer Boatworks, Inc.
Additionally, the ADA is holding "America's Walk for Diabetes" scheduled for Sunday, October 3, 1999 at various locations across the country. Check the Web for more information at "www.diabetes.org", or call (800) DIABETES.
To check availability for interviews, public service announcements, or for more information call the 1999 Everest Trek for Diabetes Information Line at (914) 835-9574.