Rock Climber. Adventurer. Dad. Nurse. Cancer Slayer.

In speaking with the Wildman I realized one thing.......I haven't done enough adventuring in my athletic life.  Too many of us are hung up in traditional sports: stats & scores, winning & loosing, going after results that are tangible on paper.  Alex crumpled up that paper and threw it away a long time ago.  When was the last time you went ice climbing?  Alex can answer that question.  Have you ever hitch hiked across Alaska?  Alex has.  Do you remember the time you rode your bike across America? No? Alex remembers.  Alex is also the co-chair of the Philadelphia chapter or the American Alpine Club.  Oh yea, and he has also devoted his life to helping others as a cardiac nurse.

Six months ago, Alex was preparing for a climbing trip to Patagonia.  Those plans changed.  He received news that he was not expecting.  Cancer. The single most terrifying word in the English Language.  Alex was about to embark on a six month climbing trip that no one ever wanted to go on.  During a 96 hour chemo marathon, Alex received an unexpected yet very welcome guest: Conrad Anker.  Conrad is like the Michael Jordan of expeditions.  He stopped by and imparted some inspiration and wisdom.  Hold Fast, All Storms Pass.  This phrase has changed Alex's life.  Alex is an internet inspiration @fortyonethirty (instagram) using #holdfastallstormspass 

Alex believes in some sage advise he got from a total stranger in Alaska.  If you want to have a huge adventure, just put a date on the calendar and go for it! 

During Alex's treatment, a go fund me page was set up and that made a huge impact on Alex's life.  Alex also told me about his Friend, David Clark. Another young man, climber, adventurer who has stage 4 cancer.  He also has a go fund me page so please help if you can:

https://support.firstdescents.org/fundraise?fcid=715284