Climb for the Cause:
Denali 2002
On May 14, 2002, Eric Simons lead an expedition up Mt. Denali (Mt. McKinley) in Alaska. They hoped to be the first group of people with a serious, chronic disease to climb one of the world’s tallest mountains independent of able-bodied guides or climbing companions.
On May 26, 2002, after facing extreme winds and unusual weather conditions, Eric Simons and Sean Clifford made the difficult decision to end their bid for the summit of Denali. They, along with fellow Champions Ramon Sepulveda, headed home to enjoy some much needed rest and to reunite with family.
The Betaseron Champions of Courage program is proud of the Team's accomplishments and the inspiration they provided to everyone with MS.
Denali Team Updates and Information:
After the Climb: A Message from Eric Simons
News and updates from the expedition.
Photos from the expedition are here!
Story from The Austin American-Statesman (May 15, 2002): "No mountain's too high"
Story from the Denver Post (May 13, 2002): "MS climbers rise to challenge of Mount McKinley "
Denali Itinerary (as of May 6)
From Our News Section:
MS Champions to Scale Denali: INSPIRE Others (Apr 29, 2002)
Austin Man With MS Receives Champions of Courage Grant to Scale Denali (Apr 29, 2002)
Vail Man With MS Receives Champions of Courage Grant to Scale Denali (Apr 29, 2002)
Team Denali Links:
Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC)
The ’MS Climb for the Cause’ will benefit the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) and the Foundation of the CMSC, an organization dedicated to setting a standard of MS care throughout the world through education and research.
