The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

7 · Thursday, August 12, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com They're going to great heights to raise funds for MS By Kim Arnott SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Mount Nemo doesn't bear much resemblance to either Peru or Nepal, but this summer it's acting as a stand-in for six Halton climbers who are training to face what will likely be the challenge of their lifetimes. Actually, to call them climbers is a bit of a stretch. Most have never faced a mountain before, although a couple of them did turn their optimistic inexperience into a summit of Mount Kilimanjaro last fall. But while they may not be experienced climbers, they are a dedicated husband and sisters and friends, and of necessity, amazing fundraisers. The Halton MS Climb 2010 team is a group of six local residents who are setting off to climb to Mount Everest base camp and Machu Picchu this fall to raise money for the Halton chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. Collectively, they will raise at least $70,000. The funds will be used to help local individuals suffering from MS purchase assistive devices like wheelchairs and lifts, to facilitate support groups that will help families understand what the disease will mean for their loved ones, to support national research, and to organize social and recreational opportunities for people who have seen many of their opportunities stolen by a heartless disease. JAMES HOGGETT / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR MS: A group of Halton residents are participating in mountain climbs around the world as a fundraiser for MS Climb 2010. Here, from the Halton MS Climb Team are (left to right) Kay Manchios, Cathy Goodale, Judy Duncan, Kathy Ramsay, John Lipitkas and Robin Halliwell. Each climber is responsible for raising up to $20,000, in addition to covering the costs of their own trip. John Lipitikas set his personal goal at a lofty $73,000 ­ or $10 for each day since his wife was diagnosed with MS. While he may not achieve that total, the ambitious goal is less surprising after you learn that the Oakville man has never climbed a mountain before, but is planning to climb to Mount Everest base camp this October. "Start at the top and work your way down," he says laughingly, of his rookie status. MS Climb was launched as a national fundraiser last year, on the inspiration of Toronto resident Ralph Cochrane, who undertook a personal climb for MS the previous year. Cathy Goodale, who is also aiming at Everest this year, was one of the climbers who took part in last year's trip to Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro. A lock of her sister Karin's hair is at the top of that mountain, and she plans to bring another lock with her to Everest this year. Karin, now in the advanced stages of MS, was diagnosed with the disease 26 years ago. "Climbing Kilimanjaro was probably the hardest thing I've ever done, but the best thing I've ever done," Goodale says. "What I wasn't prepared for was the altitude sickness." However, the effect of altitude sickness, which can include tingling and loss of sensation in the limbs, is similar to symptoms many newly-diagnosed MS patients experience. A complex disease that is most often diagnosed in young adults, aged 15-40, MS can affect vision, hearing, memory, balance and mobility. "It made me connect to my sister and what she went through in the early stages," Goodale See It's page 14 BUSINESS Just add protection Working hard for your business' success, Dobson & Toncic helps you get the most beneficial, affordable rates for maximal protection and reward. We partner with small to medium-sized business owners in the GTA for their security ­ many of them later adding their personal insurance and wealth management requirements to our trust. We're business owners too, so we understand your financial and insurance needs ­ the way you want them. Call today for an insurance review and ask for Scott Dobson or Howard Kotchie at: 905.829.2907 Dobson & Toncic Insurance Brokers Ltd. 2020 Winston Park Drive, Suite 101, Oakville, ON L6H 6X7 www.dobson-toncic.com · 905.829.2907