From DNR E-Digest February 3, 2000 edition
DNR waste program engineer David Panofsky was diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1) nearly 15 years ago and is hoping to help others learn about and cope successfully with the disease by setting an example. Panofsky is a co-founder of the International Diabetic Expedition to Aconcagua 2000 (IDEA 2000), a project in which 10 Type 1 diabetics, all experienced climbers, will climb Cerro Aconcagua, Argentina -- the highest point in the Western Hemisphere (22,834 feet). The climb will take about 20 days and is scheduled for December 2000.
The expedition aims to raise awareness about diabetes, to inspire other diabetics to rise above perceived physical barriers, to conduct research on the impacts of high-altitude climbs on diabetic persons, and to raise $2.1 million for diabetes research and projects focusing on Latin America.
"We're doing this to show the world that diabetics are not frail people who must live limited lives. We are taking on this extreme challenge to help other diabetics see all that is possible through managing the disease effectively," says Panofsky.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 30 million people have diabetes in the Americas alone. Statistically speaking, the DNR has nearly 200 employees with the disease; as many as 60 are as yet unaware that they have the disease. Worldwide, many diabetics lack basic diabetes education, medication, and supplies.
Although dangerous for anyone, climbing presents particular hazards for a person with diabetes. The climbers on the expedition will be frequently monitoring blood glucose levels and carefully calculating the necessary insulin doses. Panofsky, who has some experience at altitudes over 20,000 feet, and the other team members are confident that they can meet this challenge.
In fact, the biggest challenge at this point is securing sponsors for the project. In addition to corporate sponsorship, the climbers will carry strings of "prayer flags" with them to adorn the base camp on Aconcagua. The flags can be inscribed with hope for a person living with diabetes, a prayer for a cure, or a remembrance of someone. According to Tibetan tradition, the spirit of the mountain and its winds will carry the prayers to the heavens.
A cookbook is being compiled to help raise funds and awareness for the climb. Besides
contributing a recipe, you may include information about how diabetes has touched your
life. Contact "Idea 2000" cookbook chairs Michelle S. Goedken, (608) 267-7524 or
Barbara Hennings, (608) 264-6021 for more information.
For more information about the climb, contact Panofsky, WA-Madison, 608/267-3540, or visit
the IDEA 2000 web site.