October 26, 2007

As you can imagine, getting 38 people to write final thoughts is a bit like herding yaks, I mean cats. We did our best to get everyone’s final thoughts but missed a few, they will be added as we wake them from their trekking slumbers. Thank you to the 5 ,illion people that have tuned into our daily journals, pictures and podcasts. We hope you will al join our “Army of Strength” and join us on our next adventure.

Ade Summers – we come to Nepal as trekkers, musicians and production team, but we leave as friends.

Aden Holt – 38 people. 33 sick. Victorious over the altitude bug. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Diane, Michael, Barb, and Carissa for checking in on me. Love to you, and all my new and old friends.

Alan Hobson - On the other side of fear is freedom. Together, I believe we have begun a courageous climb back toward that freedom. The challenge now will be to continue that relentless upward drive toward new summits. Alan Hobson, Mt. Everest climber, Summitteer, Cancer Survivor

Alex Coletti – Everest Rocked in every sense. I will never forget this experience – the people, the music, the goal. Trekking must be stopped in our lifetime.

Ben Metzker – I can’t wait for a pizza.

Christine Alan – To my hubby Joseph, our children Micky and Jack, mom and dad, Jen, Kim, all my family and friends, alas! We have completed our most amazing rtek in support of cancer research and awareness. Thank you al for your relentless support. I love you all and will see you soon.

Cy Curnin – We leave the mountain where it has always been. Perception, constant change. Ur message is bourne in the wind.

Damien Drake – These are the happiest times of my life. (he gave this quote as he belted out “Jane Say’s” with 5 sherpas, 8 trekkers and 3 musicians.)

Dan Sullivan – It is very difficult for me to explain the last 2 weeks (at this time anyway). I have never walked, talked, climbed or done anything with as much purpose and drive as I have on this “Everest Rocks” journey. It has changed my perspective on life and I hope to be a part of the Love Hope Strength Army well into the future. James, it is a blessing and a privilege to call you my friend.

Eran Thomson - On a scale of 10, we go to eleven. Rock on my friends. Rock on.

George Devanney – Though our journey is nearing the end – the role that LHSF will play in providing cancer resources is just beginning. My Wally hat is off to the “Everest 38” as I know we al feel part of something historic. All my love to my wife Angie – and my sons Ryan, George and John – Dad’s on the way home.

Glenn Tilbrook – Short of having my children and falling blissfully in love, this has been the single most moving, humbling, difficult and positive experience of my life. And without being wanky, I’ve had a few. New levels have been established for me all around. Including losing two notches on my belt. xxx

Jake Norton – I didn’t know her well, but Ida B’s (my godmothers’ sister) passing from pancreatic cancer the day after our concert on Kala Patthar brought the meaning and poignance of our trek home to me. Through the efforts and passion of James, Mike, and all of the LHS army continue to make a difference in lives touched by cancer in Nepal, the USA and around the world.

Jamie West Oram – I hope I never complain about anything ever again. I’ve felt aches and pains while watching porters carry massive wooden poles wearing flip-flops. Thank you, Bibi, for waiting for me while I went on this adventure. Love forever.

Julie Lampton – Everest Rocks is the most incredible spiritual and physical adventure I’ve ever experienced. I’ve never felt such a natural sense of belonging. I have found my heart trekking in the presence of love!

Mark Parker – Chippendale, seven years ago I left you sitting at Baylor hospital waiting for your next round of chemo. I sat down on a bench outside and cried… Believing that I had lost my friend to cancer. A few days ago we summitted Kala Patthar together. Your courage amazes me, and you are an inspiration.

Kris and Matt Adam-Smith – What a day, what a fortnight! Everything we anticipated and more, much more. Beautiful local people, fantastic landscape and views, walking, more walking, altitude, more altitude, sickness, squalor, laughs, music, camaraderie, physical and emotional challenges, euphoria. What more can I say? Two weeks living on top of each other 24/7 and not a single raised voice, argument or falling out. What a blast> And we’ve raised money and profile for such an important cause. Rock on in Kathmandu….

Meghan Buchanan – To everyone that donated, I thank you. To everyone that supports me, I love you. To everyone this supports, I believe in you. Take action and join out fight. Can’t wait to see my family, puppies and Shawn! And, to Aunt B. love hope strength.

Mike Johnson – To all, if possible in your life, please leave your comfort zone and travel. The culture and people which I have met in the past few weeks are second to none. I do miss the comforts of home, but the education is priceless.

Nick Harper – I love my family like the sunlight that is the source of all life. Support Love Hope Strength and help that light shine brighter and longer for families just like mine- and yours.

Oli Powell – What an experience! 27 EVEREST beers. 24 headaches, 16 cases of sickness and diarrhea. One LHS team! Bring on the next challenge! Love to all my friends and family. Oli XXX

Peter Braun – A big thank you to Shannon, James and Mike for turning this dream into a reality. I look forward to seeing my family and friends soon.

Scott Thompson – I’m honored to be a part of such an amazing group of people, and inspired by the potential of the Love Hope Strength Foundation. This experience has reshaped my belief in what is possible, both as an individual and as a society. Thanks to all who have supported me and LHSF in this tremendous cause.

Sean Moore – Just arrived in Lukla today after 14 days of trekking – from 9,000 to 18,630 feet…Holy Sh*%! Grateful. Celebratory. Proud. Relieved. And with rich experiences I’ve never dreamt of. I’ll never forget the this moment of “completion” and cannot wait to get home and rejoin my life with a new vigor.

Stan Sagner – A blur of incredible experiences, friendships and revelations. I can’t imagine a fuller two weeks. Thanks to call who made it possible – sponsors, trekkers, guides, survivors, family and the remarkable people of Nepal. Much Love.

Stephanie Sarnoski – It’s our last day of this amazing journey & yesterday’s hike was the same trail upon which the first time tred I was sick. Such a different experience! I found myself in the back of the pack, this time because I was soaking in the beauty that surrounded me – seeing the landscape for the first time. As I stood upon the crest of a hill I stopped and looked behind me. I saw the trail we took snaking for miles down, then up again, disappearing into the mountains beyond. It seemed never ending. And I thought to myself… We did that? WE DID THAT!

Tom Grimshaw – The Everest Rocks trek was the hardest, craziest, silliest, most memorable thing I have ever done. Everyone is amazing and, bugger me, I would probably do it again.

Tracie Janoska – This experience was even more than I could have ever imagined!

Vince Abrue – As quickly as it began, our journey has come to an end. I am so proud to have been a part of this life changing adventure. We all are so blessed and I’m excited to be coming home. On a side note…I want to give a shout out to all the ladies…I miss you!

Mike Peters – Every step I took on Everest Rocks was dedicated to my wife, Jules, and my children, Dylan and Evan, Love Hope and Strength to the Everest Rocks 38. Shannon Foley for President of the USA. (PS. Let’s make James ‘Chickendale’ her running mate)

James Chippendale -
The 38 came here with a common mission (to bring awareness to our cancer charity and raise money for the local cancer center) not only did we achieve our mission we leave best friends. This group of 38 is going to make the Love Hope Strength Foundation the biggest strongest Cancer Charity in the World

Shannon Foley - Deep breath…………..10 months of planning and we are here, Lukla, and we have done it. Our mission of bringing awareness of cancer to Nepal and the world has been a success. Mike and James had a crazy idea of playing music atop the world to shout out that people, like them, can climb back from cancer and bring goodness to the world. It is with tears that I write this, partly because of pride, partly sorrow that this amazing journey is coming to an end. So many more ridiculous ideas have been discussed on this trip, all of which I would have laughed at one month ago. Now, I know, that anything is possible and these 38 people have begun something bigger than any of us ever dreamed of. My name is Shannon Foley and my strength is making the wild and crazy dream of 2 wonderful men, Mike Peters and James Chippendale, come true. What is your strength? Please share it with us and the world at www.lovehopestrength.org.

Jolene Hudson and Ashley Lowe, you have been with us every step of the way. We could never have done this without you. We love you girls!

Ade Summers
Aden Holt
Alan Hobson
Alex Coletti
Ben Metzker
Christine Alan
Cy Curnin
Damien Drake
Dan Sullivan
Eran Thomson
Garrie Renucci
George Devanney
Glenn Tillbrook
Jake Norton
James Chippendale
Jamie West Oram
Julie Lampton
Kristeen Adam-Smith
Mark Parker
Matthew Adam-Smith
Meghan Buchanan
Mike Johnson
Mike Peters
Nick Harper
Oli Powell
Peter Braun
Rini Andres
Scott Thompson
Sean Moore
Sean Swarner
Shannon Foley
Slim Jim Phanton
Stan Sagner
Stash Slionski
Stephanie Sarnoski
Tom Grimshaw
Tracie Janoska
Vince Abrue

Love Hope Strength
October 26, 2007
Lukla, Nepal
9,300 ft 2,834 m