==Profile==
Age: 29
Years with T1D: 15
Age at diagnosis: 14
From: Portland, OR
Years climbing: 20+
Favorite type of climbing: Sport, multi-pitch, trad, mountaineering
Goals: Free ascent of El Cap’s Salathe Wall
Contact: [email protected]
==Bio==
I began climbing at the age of 7 with my dad in the Pacific Northwest. After a few years of outdoor climbing, really very basic ascents, my dad took me up Mt. Hood and Mt. Rainer. After these adventures I became hooked; reading climbing, dreaming climbing, and of course climbing.
It was because of this passion that I immersed myself in competitive climbing. By the time I was 14, I had become a national level competitor for my age, placing in multiple championships and qualifying for the US Youth Climbing Team that competed in France and Austria. Then, in 1998, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. My parents took me to the doctors, then to the hospital, where I was left fearful that I wouldn’t be able to climb any longer - the doctors believed I need to play it safe: “It is just too risky, too hard to monitor. Activity is good, but it has to be within limits.” These were the things I was told.
But climbing was already too ingrained. I talked to my parents and we bought glucagon and glucose tablets, and I went on my way, continuing to climb with my dad. At first it was hard, counteracting lows with too many carbs and then going too high.
I felt as if I had to learn a whole new sport. Slowly, I learned and monitoring became easier. I still carry emergency sugar on every climb, but I am never scared to go out and try something bigger and harder. This is what LivingVertical represents to me- the ability of T1 Diabetics to live and be active and never be conquered; to be in control as we push ourselves to achieve our dreams and goals.
Every year I make new plans to climb more difficult objectives. Since my diagnosis I have climbed better and better each year with numerous First Ascents in Oregon and Washington and high level climbs around the globe. Climbing with T1 Diabetes has allowed me to see beyond my limits and that there is no end to how hard I can push myself. I am very excited to be a part of Team LivingVertical and to find new challenges to overcome in the vertical world. Together we can push beyond and embrace the adventure we find before us.
