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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, December 4, 2009 · 8 Climbing new heights to combat MS By Ryan Bolton SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER hen Cathy Goodale finally reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro she felt equal parts awe-inspired and exhausted. After trudging forward for five days up Africa's highest peak she had tears streaming down her beaming face. "You picture yourself, months in advance, yelling and screaming, but the reality is you're so tired, when you get up there, all you do is just cry," said Goodale, 49. "You have a smile on your face and you're crying." Goodale, a longtime Oakville resident, was one of 24 climbers taking part in MS Climb in October. MS Climb, the brainchild of Toronto resident Ralph Cochrane, takes fundraising for multiple sclerosis (MS) research to a higher level -- quite literally. With an attempt to raise $1 million over five years, MS Climb offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to trump some of the world's greatest sights. Last year, participants hiked Machu Picchu in Peru and met their fundraising goal of $150,000. This time around, Goodale et al. tackled Kilimanjaro bringing in more than $300,000. And next year, in addition to both Machu Picchu and Kilimanjaro, MS Climb is offering expeditions to Base Camp Everest and the historic El Camino de W SUPPLIED PHOTO REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: Cathy Goodale climbed to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as part of MS (multiple sclerosis) Climb, a fundraiser with the goal of raising $1 million over five years to fight the debilitating disease. Her sister, Karin, was diagnosed with the neurological disorder 25 years ago. family has been heavily involved in fundraisSantiago in Spain. Goodale has already committed to tack- ing ever since. Their mother, Theresa TonerBurke, was the chair for the Halton chapter ling Everest. But for the Oakville hair stylist, the of MS Society before Goodale got involved daunting task pales in comparison to her with Oakville's MS Walk, which she now dedication to finding a cure for multiple chairs. When the opportunity to raise large sums sclerosis. Her sister, Karin, was diagnosed with the of money for research transpired, however, neurological disease 25 years ago and her Goodale couldn't look the other way. In fact, she was straight-up intrigued. Although quite athletic as an avid soccer player and runner, Goodale had never tackled a mountain. But throughout the training to the actual ascent, she had her sister as a muse. Goodale trained by hiking the Bruce Trail, gradually increasing the length and attacking the more arduous paths. Although she became less nervous and more excited as the weeks narrowed, Goodale said the climb was the most difficult thing she has ever accomplished. "It was the hardest thing I have ever done," she begins, bursting with casual excitement. "I think I was a bit naïve about the conditions on a mountain and how quickly they can change." The physical act wasn't the toughest aspect, though, it was the altitude sickness coupled with the dry air and "desolate" landscape. "If you hadn't been out hiking and getting prepared for it, you weren't going to make it to the top." Out of the 24 adventurers, 17 reached Kilimanjaro's summit. Through research, Goodale discovered that the symptoms of altitude sickness, which she deeply struggled with, reflect the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. For her, then, it was both a physical challenge, but also a deeper understanding of her sister's illness. See Climb page 10 Get away from winter even if you can't get away A BRAND NEW GENERATION OF CLEAN FACE GAS INSERTS COLLECTION by Kingsman INTRODUCING THE CAPELLA TM Mastering the Art of Fire. 3600 Laird Rd., Units 12 & 13 Mississauga, ON Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 10-4, Sun. 12-4 www.ontariohearth.com 905.569.2404