Climbing Kilimanjaro for CHOC

My name is Natalie Victor, I am 21 years old and I will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, to raise R1 million for CHOC (“Children’s Hematology Oncology Clinics”) in South Africa.

I recently moved to Johannesburg to work in the Television industry, working on a number of different shows that we target for the Youth of South Africa. Previously I worked in the film industry for 3 and a half years working on 2 major feature films. I’m a person of the Arts and tend to enjoy being in an industry where I can inspire people to make a difference.

I will be climbing Africa’s highest peak, (The World Highest Freestanding Peak) to raise R1million rand for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation. I have recently been diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy as well as Complex Partial Epilepsy, which makes this climb even more challenging for me, this however will not stop me from reaching my goal.

Killi as experienced climbers would call it is the highest stand-alone peak in the world and the highest Mountain on the African continent. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, but it is the top of the mountain which draws the most attention. There has been indications that snow covering the mountain was actually increasing. Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the largest stratovolcanoes in the world. It comprises of numerous layers of lava, tephra (an igneous, extrusive rock) and volcanic ash, which makes climbing this Mountain extremely dangerous.

I discovered that doing extraordinary things to help extraordinary people and organizations is a passion of mine and if it means taking risks and living life on the edge every second for the benefit of a worthy cause, then I am up for it. I love to help people and not only does it inspire me but gives me satisfaction to be able to give something to someone in need.

It was at a young age that I saw things that changed me and lost someone in my family that was my pillar of strength during my parents messy divorce – this person, my pillar, my gran, the one person that I could run to, passed away due to Cancer.

I vowed never to let anyone go through the same thing young or old, without me at least trying to help in any way I can – either with medical care, a place to stay, people to talk to, a friend, food or toys… Anything that can make them smile, and make their days easier. I have recently embarked on a campaign which means alot to me as cancer has touched my life personally. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer when I was young, she was my pillar of strength and the one person I could always rely on. It was a devastating blow for me when she past away due to her illness. It was not until my cousin was also diagnosed with cancer at a very early age and stayed in one of the CHOC houses, that I became aware of CHOC foundation.

I took on this challenge in July this year and it wasn't until two months ago that I was diagnosed with two forms of epilepsy. My campaign took a huge blow due to me being in hospital but I am back at gym and the campaign is back on track. I leave Johannesburg on 14th of January 2010 and begin to climb Kilimanjaro on 21st January 2010, this is over a period of 7 days to reach the top of the summit.

The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation is a country wide voluntary organisation. It brings together the parents of children who suffer from all varieties of cancer or life threatening blood disorders. The first group started in Johannesburg in 1979, and in 2000 joined with other parent groups from all parts of the country to form a national organisation. The goal of this dedicated group is to improve the welfare and quality of care for children with cancer, and their families. Funds raised will be going towards building a new CHOC house for the benefit of children and also those involved in the treatment of these most serious illnesses.

The love, warmth and care which is given to these children inspired me to take on this challenge. 'Climbing Kilimanjaro for CHOC - Childhood Cancer Foundation is the first of several campaigns which I intend to do, circumstance and health permitting of course. My long term goal is to summit 7 mountains over 7 years and ultimately raise R7million for 7 different worldwide charities.
I am running the campaign, trying to find additional sponsors, get publicity, climbing the mountain, trying to raise R1million... by myself... All in honour of loved ones who have suffered with Cancer and in honour of the many hundreds of children out there who need a role model to look up to and who may not have parents, need the money for a shelter of their heads, medical care and food. They need all the support we can get them.

Unfortunately due to me being recently diagnosed and being hospitalized, the campaign has taken a huge blow as a result. I am however back on track and looking forward to summiting Kilimanaro. I have my sponsorship for the flights, but have yet to find a sponsor for the equipment and summit up the mountain, none-the-less the response to the campaign has been unbelievable and has included people from around SA.

At the end of the day, this is not about me, its about showing people that anyone can do anything they put their mind to, sometimes we just need a little help, and if I can get a few thousand people to help the children of choc, then I would have achieved my goal. I want to get as many people as I can to donate money to this worthy cause because at the end of the day, there are always people out their who need things more than we need them.

I hope this campaign can inspire other young adults to pursue their dreams and make a difference no matter how old they are.

Natalie Victor
074 1818 366
info@natalievictor.co.za
www.natalievictor.co.za