The Regulars
10 Mountains - 10 Years (A Quest for the Cure)
A Trail Called Hope - IV - Kilimanjaro (2009)
The climbing team consists of people from a number of countries around the world, with many different occupations. No one is a professional climber. This information book contains the basic bios of Team Kilimanjaro, climbing in July 2009.
The climbers will be carrying letters and a
Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation Banner
to the summit!
About the Mountain
Kilimanjaro. The name itself is a mystery wreathed in clouds. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. Or it might not. The local people, the Wachagga, don't even have a name for the whole massif, only Kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, the summit of Africa.
Kilimanjaro, by any name, is a metaphor for the compelling beauty of East Africa. When you see it, you understand why. Not only is this the highest peak on the African continent; it is also the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising in breathtaking isolation from the surrounding coastal scrubland – elevation around 900 metres – to an imperious 5,895 metres (19,336 feet).
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates…and their memories.
Due to Kilimanjaro's equatorial location and high elevation, almost every climate type on earth is represented, including a year-round snow-topped summit.
Acclimatization is essential, and even then most people suffer some degree of altitude sickness. All climbers will suffer considerable discomfort, typically shortage of breath, hypothermia and headaches, and though most young, fit people can make the Uhuru summit, a substantial number of trekers will abandon the attempt at a lower altitude.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
92 million people worldwide have a family member battling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. It is our goal through this film to personalize this battle for mainstream audiences. We’re working to create a personal introduction that can interest and inspire people from all walks of life, ages, and cultures. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are becoming a global epidemic. We cannot pass it by or sweep it under the carpet. If AD continues as it as, in 30 years, it will single-handedly bankrupt the U.S. healthcare system.
10 Mountains 10 Years, documentary feature film, centers around an international team of strong willed, adventurous, and altruistic mountain climbers who have begun to mount the grandest, most physically demanding endeavor to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The team of climbers, many of whom are also caregivers for loved ones, will journey to the peaks of 10 of the world’s most prominent mountains for this cause. This storytelling style gives a youthful, energetic perspective to entertain and captivate audiences at the same time.
This will be a sincere and personal account in every phase. We will carry HD cameras to every summit. Through vendor relationships, we have secured key equipment sponsors to assist in filming on-location. Porta Brace has donated camera backpacks and polar-bear camera cases for filming in subzero temperatures. Panasonic has donated P2 cards with maximum storage space to minimize frequent stopping and minimize risk of frostbite. Vinten has donated prototype lightweight tripods. Sennheiser has donated wireless lavalier kits for direct audio on the main climbers.
Through partnerships with two of the top medical research centers in North America, our film will give an inside look at the greatest advances and climbs happening in the medical community, alongside the team’s endurance at altitude. It also follows select individuals battling these two diseases with their caregivers in the long term. It is a story of hope and of common everyday people coming together to change this world and leave something better behind.
Mont Blanc (France, 15,771ft) McKinley (Alaska, 20,320ft)
Cotopaxi / Chimborazo (Ecuador, 20,561ft) Mount Elbrus (Russia, 18,481ft)
Mount Hood (Oregon, 11,249ft) Cho Oyu (Nepal / Tibet, 26,906ft)
*Kilimanjaro (Tanzania, 19,340ft) Vinson Massif (Antarctica, 16,066ft)
Aconcagua (Argentina, 22,841ft) Mount Everest (Nepal / Tibet, 29,035ft)
*The climbers will be carrying letters to read and a Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation Banner to the summit!
Enzo Simone – Team Captain and 10 Mountains Visionary
Enzo Simone (Birth name is Vincent Roland Simone)
Team Captain
E.Name: World
Born in: White Plains, New York - 1966
Grew up in: Canicatti, Sicily & Mount Kisco, New York (USA)
Live in: Somers, NY
Nationality: I am a first born American (English & Italian).
Occupation: Architecture
Impact: Within my family my Grandmother had Alzheimer’s Disease, Mother has Alzheimer’s Disease, Father-in-Law has Parkinson’s Disease. Beyond my family there are many people who inspire me to continue even through hard times. But there are four people in particular who stand out, two in this day and age and one historic character…Wilbanice Ayala (A.K.A. Neecy) who has had PD since she was 7 years old and diagnosed at 8 years old. She is now in her 20's, is very faithful, and beams with more light and hope than I’ve seen shine from anyone. Mary Johnson Kellerman who has had Parkinson’s Disease for many years along with a number of people in her family. She has also been impacted by so many other conditions and diseases, but she has never ever been compromised. Mary just never stops trying her best to cheer up other people who struggle as she does and to believe that they should never give up. Belle Amoroso, who has lost both parents to Alzheimer’s Disease. She has seen it all unfold, not once but twice and was there for her parents every step of the way. Since then she has always had advice and open arms to those she meets who are struggling with Alzheimer’s.
From a historical perspective I am inspired by the rise and the fall of Thomas Paine’s life. Here is a man who played a massive role in the creation of both the United States of America and France as we know it, then was all but cast aside and forgotten. It is also said that he also may have had dementia in later years.
Interests: Genealogy, Politics, Writing Music, Photography, Art, SCUBA, Climbing
Admiration's: People willing to stand or fall alone in their arena. Creativity. Seeing people with great passions do what they do and being amazed by them. My Ancestors, Jesucristo, Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, and Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci.
Accomplishments: I've been a volunteer in my communities having spent over a third of my life on various municipal boards. I've loved being involved in charity fund raising events. I've been married since 1992.
Favorite Climbs: Hands down it has to be Mount Washington in the dead of winter. It must have something to do with always remembering the first one.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: It's EPIC!
Quotes to live by: "VIVAS QUOTIDIE SICUT LEO - TU ES ULTIMUS FINIS - MOMENTO NOMEN TUUM" - V.R.S.
Jennifer Yee – Climber and 10 Mountains Documentarian
Eileen and Jen
Jennifer Yee
E Name: Corazon
Born and grew up in: Merion, PA
Live in: Santa Monica, CA
Occupation: Film Producer
Interests: hiking, climbing, scuba diving, inline skating, camping, catching sunsets, taking simple days with family and friends.
Admiration's: People taking a risk on someone or something and going all out. The lifetime loyalty of family and friends and the kindness of strangers. Finding the good in the bad. People who take care of others. And people who believe in dreams.
Climbing: Mostly sport climbing in Southern California. Lead climbing, many nerve-racking falls :)
Filming: Features, music videos, commercials, documentaries, romantic, comedies, dramas, martial arts, broadcast sports. 35mm, Super 16mm, High-Definition.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: "10 Mountains, 10 Year's" Documentary Feature Film will put cameras on the helmets of climbers for 10 of the world's highest summits. In a parallel story structure, it will share the voices of scientists, caretakers, and those living with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease through joint obstacles forging to the summit for a cure.
Favorite Quote:
"Build a dream, and the dream builds you"
Eileen Bencivengo-Colon
Eileen Bencivengo-Colon
E Name: Strong Feather
Born in: Trenton, NJ - 1957
Grew up in: Chambersburg section of Trenton, NJ
Live in: Hamilton, NJ
Nationality: Italian/Irish/German
Occupation: Child Care Provider
Impact: My father-in-law lost his battle to Alzheimer's. My step-son's grandmother was just diagnosed with Alzheimer's. My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia but passed from a heart attack. Plus the many I am involved with now who have someone they love with Alzheimer's or have passed from it. My sister-in-laws father had Parkinson's Disease. My good friends, Jim Brenner and Ken Glowienke, and my circle of friends in MySpace and Facebook. My dear friend Bill Berndt, who just lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease. I am motivated by our project and by the exposure it gives both diseases. I’m also motivated by the dedication the team displays in wanting to bring both to their knees.
Interests: Martial Arts, Photography, Advocating for a good cause, Writing
Admiration: My Mom was someone I admired growing up and who I still pull my strength from as I move through life. Also, anyone who steps up to the plate and never falters from there tasks at hand.
Accomplishments: Being a Mom to 5 boys and two grandsons. Receiving the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt with the World Tang Soo Do Association at age 49. Walking 60 miles (twice so far), for Breast Cancer awareness. All of the teams I've formed for my various causes - Multiple Sclerosis, Breast Cancer, Parkinson's Disease.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: This vision is amazing and has opened doors to drawing more awareness and funds for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease. To be part of this journey, even though it is just one mountain for me, will last a lifetime and I will journey with you till the end. I live and breathe this and I am confident that we will be celebrating before you finish this quest that cures are found.
Favorite Quote: Only as high as I reach can I grow. Only as far as I seek can I go. Only as deep as I look can I see. Only as much as I dream can I be.
Eric Buzzetto
Eric Buzzetto
E Name: Gladiator
Co-Captain: A Trail Called Hope - IV - Kilimanjaro
Year Born: 1980
Born in: White Plains
Grew up in: North Salem
Lives in: North Salem
Nationality: Italian
Occupation: Physical Education Teacher
Impact: My connection to Parkinson’s Disease is my uncle who had passed away with Parkinson's. Also, I have known Enzo's mother, and I’ve seen her struggle with Alzheimer's for a long time.
Interests: Hiking, Traveling, meeting new people.
Admiration: my parents, friends and family
Accomplishments: Surrounding myself with great people to help me along the way.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years project: Amazing that we can organize people from all over the world for one common cause.
Favorite Quote: "It is precisely the possibility of realizing a dream that makes life interesting." – Paulo Coelho
Jaymes (Jay) Brevard
Jaymes Brevard
E Name: Pharaoh
Born: Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
Lives in: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Editor and freelance film/video director
Impact: My Mother (Marsha) has Alzheimer's & my maternal Grandfather (James) had Alzheimer's.
Interests: Film Making, Football, Baseball, Martial Arts, Motorcycling, Camping, Drawing, Theater, Culture, Mentoring
Admiration: Those who are willing to stand on their own two and who aren’t deterred by the status quo.
Accomplishments: Returning to college many years after being “excused” and graduating as Valedictorian of UCLA’s School of Film and Television. I also had the honor of serving as President of the student body. Thesis film won Best Film of 2006.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project:: The most intense thing that I have climbed were the front steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Um…it was during the winter. I have the privilege of working with Corazon as part of the crew on “10 Mountains, 10 Years” documentary. My main goal of returning to film school was to learn this craft in order to construct films that affect social change and here we are. World Up!!
Quote: (Oldie but one I live by) “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”
– Frederick Douglass
William Glover
William Glover
E Name: Pit Bull
Born in: New York City
Grew up: The Bronx NY
Live in: Westchester, NY
Nationality: 16th Generation American. My Mothers family were ship’s Captains on the James and were some of the original settlers in Plymouth. The Jenny grist Mill (first in the New World) is still in my extended family. Our ancestors arrived on the Mayflower (my son and daughter are 2nd generation Amer-Asian, go figure).
Occupation: Retired NYC Fireman, Realtor & Home Improvement Contractor
Impact: My connection with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease is to Enzo and his family. Also, my aunt who is 88 is suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Interests: Travel, (Hawaii, West Coast, Caribbean, Africa & China. Learn a new language, SCUBA, Sky Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, Safari, Bow Hunting, Camping. Volunteered on the Fire Department & Local Town Planning Board. Former Pack Leader of the Mt. Kisco Cubs and assistant in the Boy Scouts.
Accomplishments: Formerly married to the most beautiful woman in the world, (reminds me of a Chinese Angelina Jolie) & I have two beautiful children age 12 and 8.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years project: Enzo asked me and it took all of 10 seconds to say yes. I have a lot to learn but I am willing to go the distance.
Quote: The worst words a man can hear, “I'm from the Government and I'm here to help"
– Ronald Reagan
Nadyne Perlin
Nadyne Perlin
E Name: Giant
Born in: Staten Island, New York - 1979
Grew up in: Edison, NJ
Live in: Edison, NJ
Nationality: Italian & Polish
Occupation: Psychology Teacher & Mental Health Counselor
Impact: My father has Parkinson's Disease.
Interests: History, Politics, Psychology, Philosophy, Writing, Music, Photography, Art, Climbing, Traveling and meeting new people, fundraising for causes I believe in, being an advocate, trying new things & new adventures, time with family.
Admiration's: My father & mother for all their strength & courage in life and in standing up to Parkinson’s.
Accomplishments: I have been fundraising for numerous charitable causes for the past 5 years as well as being a volunteer within my community. I've recently graduated from my Master’s program as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: It's inspiring that so many people have come together for a common cause and goal. In helping care for my father who suffers from Parkinson’s, I have seen first hand what this disease can do. I am confident that a cure is on the horizon. However, as long as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s exists’ I will be apart of this team.
Quote: "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world." - Buddha
Lori Saviers
Lori Saviers
E Name: Premonition
Born in: Akron, Ohio (USA)
Grew up in: Ohio
Live in: Delaware, OH
Occupation: Marketing & Sales ingredients for pharma, food, and personal care.
Impact: My maternal grandmother and aunt both died of complications of Alzhemier's. A man at our small church has Parkinson's. I was inspired by Troy Parker (a Mount Hood Team mate on “the Regulars”) when I met him climbing up Mt. Hood. Really, MORE inspired when I met up with him again on the summit. If he can - we all can!
Interests: Hiking, backpacking, climbing, gardening, reading spiritual literature & anthropology, my dog, finding trails with no litter (I might be hard on Kili?).
Accomplishments: The people I count as friends. Amazing, complicated, joyful, intense, inspirational, hard-working, exuberant, thoughtful, wanton...I adore you all.
Favorite Climbs: I hiked around Mt. Shasta for years before trying for the top. Her singular majesty stuns me every time I see her and humbles me with every step. AND, Mount Hood because I met “the Regulars” on the summit!
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: This is an awesome concept to help people connect their emotions to their actions. This world IS changed by men and women of passion.
Quote: "Do all you can, with what you have, in the time you have, in the place you are"
Nkosi Johnson
Tom J. Sabourin
New York Marathon 2007
Tom J. Sabourin
E Name: T-Run
Born in: Flint, Michigan - 1963
Grew up in: Flushing, Michigan
Live in: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ancestry: Primarily French, Swedish, Polish, and Italian
Nationality: American
Occupation: Engineer involved in the development of ultrasound medical imaging products
Impact: My grandmother, Stella Laureto had Alzheimer’s Disease. She lived with my family as I was growing up.
Interests: Hurling, climbing, hiking, running, reading, traveling, volunteering.
Admiration: There are so many... here' a few: Albert Einstein, Leonardo Da Vinci, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Rosa Parks, Dorothy Hodgkin, Susan B. Anthony, Randy Pausch, Bono, and of course, Michael J. Fox.
Accomplishments: I have written a few patents, run a few marathons, climbed a few mountains, and helped design ultrasound imaging equipment which is in use in thousands of places around the world. But the things that give me the most satisfaction are the efforts I have put into fundraising for TeamFox and the number of homes I've helped build with Habitat for Humanity.
Thoughts on the 10 mountains - 10 years project: I think this is a great way to bring people together from around the world to raise awareness about and funds for these causes. To me the timeline helps convey both that this is a huge commitment and that the cure for these diseases is within reach...if given the proper resources.
Favorite Quotes: "The only death you die is the death you die every day by not living. Dream big and dare to fail." Norman Vaughan
(Jen &) Luc Thoelen
Luc Thoelen
E Name: Gentleman Luc
Year Born: 1970
Born in: Koersel, Belgium
Grew up in: Diest, Belgium
Live in: Brussels, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Occupation: Independent IT Contractor
Impact: My grandfather had Alzheimer, back then (1980) we called it “dementia”, but the symptoms were pretty much Alzheimer’s. My grandmother cared for him until his death. She was an amazing woman to do that on her age.
Interests: Scuba diving, film, skiing, traveling.
Admiration's: People who keep the motivation and drive to live in the pursuit of their goal, especially if this goal means breaking with a conventional lifestyle. Too many people give up on their dreams and accept the status quo.
Accomplishments: A small one for now: setting up my own company and being my own boss, but I hope that my biggest ones are still ahead of me!
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: What can I say? Just amazing! I can only hope I live up to the high standard set by the rest of the team.
Memorable climbs: As a total novice, I can only look back on having reached the summit of the Cotopaxi. It was an amazing feeling that filled me with pride of my achievement and appreciation for the help I got from my fellow climbers and “the Regulars”.
Quotes: The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line between work and play. (Arnold Toynbee)
Benny Aerts
Benny Aerts
E Name: Clean
Born in: Turnhout, Belgium - 1970
Grew up in: Lichtaart, Belgium
Live in: Lichtaart, Belgium
Nationality: Belgian
Occupation: Self Employed
Interests: Traveling, Science, Living things great and small.
Admiration's: TinTin
Accomplishments: Carry Luc's mittens, scarf, water, food, and other stuff up a 5897m high volcano.
Thoughts on the 10 Mountains - 10 Years Project: This is a unique way to raise awareness about Alzheimer and Parkinson local and transfer this enthusiasm to people from all over the globe.
Memorable climbs: Getting ill hiking to Annapurna Base Camp, 1 day on food, away from the nearest "doctor", with a heavy backpack and a high fever.
Quotes:
“It's a damn poor mind that can only think of one way to spell a word.” - Andrew Jackson
“Life is something that everyone should try at least once.” - Henry J. Tillman
God does not play dice with the universe" - Albert Einstein
For Michael J. Fox’s perspective on the Regulars visit:
http://www.teamfox.org/site/c.nrLXJ0PFKuG/b.4815173/k.9341/Team_Fox_Video.htm
