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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday April 4, 2007 - 7 One-armed climber led inspiring group on Mt. Everest trek By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER What does one do on top of the world? Cry and inspire. Gary Guller cried tears of joy when he reached the pinnacle of Mount Everest (29,035 feet) back on May 23, 2003 and since then the one-armed climber has been inspiring others to reach their own personal summits. He was in Oakville Wednesday night to visit friend and fan Liz Belford, owner of the Rosewater Spa, who asked him to share his achievement privately with an invitation-only crowd. "It's been a while since I've had such an intimate audience," Guller told about 25 guests gathered at Thyme Restaurant. To be sure, the 40-year- Gary Culler old American is in demand worldwide as a motivational speaker for large corporations, government bodies and national association. His message to make others greater is told through his story of leading 26 people with various disabilities on a challenging trek to the base of Mount Everest at 17,500 feet, and then going on to become the first person with one arm to scale the world's highest peak. Wheelchair-bound paraplegic adventurers, others wearing prostheses, using canes or quadriplegics strapped into baskets embarked on a life-changing 22-day trip to the Himalayan destination. They remain the largest expedition of its kind to achieve such a physically grueling feat. "Fifty years earlier (in 1953) Sir Edmund Hillary was the first to climb to the top of Mount Everest and we were the first to climb it with wheelchairs," Guller said. A man who slid out of his wheelchair and shimmied on his bum, using his arms to propel him, along a wooden footbridge strewn across deep crevasses exemplifies the team's unfailing determination. This is one of the unforgettable images captured in the documentary film shot at the time called The Big Push Journey to Everest. A crew of more than 250 Sherpa guides, porters, cooks and assistants from Nepal made the trip possible. "There was so much life in that trek, so much passion, determination, desire and trust," said Guller. It is ironic that the sport that caused his arm to be amputated would also set a path toward inspiring others. "It's okay to be great, but it's better to make others greater," said Guller. It was a man named Gene Rodgers who put his hand up at one of Guller's presentations and asked if Guller would take him on his next Everest journey. "It was a life-changing moment," said Guller. "Initially, I thought, `are you crazy?' and then I thought, `Who am I to judge, to decide what this man and others like him, can and can't do?" The three words that followed in reply were, `let's do it', said Guller. The trip involved 18 months of preparation and included plenty of rejection from potential donors. Guller and the crew knocked on more than 300 doors seeking financial support for the expedition. National ads on public radio sought participants promising adventure with no experience necessary and especially urged those with mobility challenges and visual and hearing impairments. "It was a trip that became more about life itself, about stepping beyond just a little bit more," said Guller. He continues to plan his own expeditions conquering the world's toughest summits and trekking across Africa and Antarctica, to name a few of the upcoming adventures listed on his website www.garyguller.com. 5 Simple Reasons: 1. Our Proven Curriculum ­ The Pathways enriched curriculum blends the best of Montessori, Core Knowledge and High Scope teaching methods designed to stimulate every part of your child's brain for successful development; 2. Our Qualified Teachers ­ Every member of the Pathways teaching staff team member of the Pathways staff has attained their Early Childhood Education (ECE) designation allowing Childhood Education (ECE) designation allowing your child to learn in a safe, effective and nurturing environment; child to learn in a safe, effective and nurturing environment; 3. Our World-Class Facilities ­ Once you step into our world-class facilities, you'll see how our bright, creative and stimulating environment provides ample room for your child to learn and explore both inside and outside the classroom; 4. Our Nutrition Program - Our "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds" program ensures that your child receives fresh, balanced and nutritious meals every day. All meals are designed by our professional chef to enhance the overall health and well-being of your child; 5. 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