11,621 feet, two best friends, and one unforgettable day in the Canadian Rockies.
This summer, I decided to do something a little more extreme than my annual Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada walk.
Climb Mount Temple.
Standing at 11,621 feet in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Temple would be my first 11,000er, and easily one of the most physically and mentally demanding things I’ve ever attempted.
The Temple of Doom
I tackled the mountain alongside two of my best friends, Sayem and Andrei. We climbed Mount Katahdin together last year, so naturally, we decided to raise the stakes.
Before the climb, every local I mentioned our plans to seemed genuinely concerned. Hotel staff, waiters, pretty much anyone familiar with the mountain gave us the same look.
At first, I thought they were exaggerating.
By the end of the day, I understood.
Mount Temple was steep, exhausting, and at times genuinely dangerous. It was probably one of the riskiest things I’ve ever voluntarily done.
But the challenge was also what made reaching the summit so rewarding.
11,621 Feet Later
Six years ago, I received a brain cancer prognosis that suggested I might not be alive today.
Two brain surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy later, that same brain and body carried me to the summit of Mount Temple.
At the top, I pulled out my Brain Tumour Walk shirt.
It was a moment I’ll never forget.
Six years ago, I needed stories that gave me hope. Today, 27 Canadians are diagnosed with a brain tumour every day. Maybe someone facing that diagnosis needs a story like this.
There can be a lot of life on the other side.
What’s Next?
Katahdin last year. Mount Temple this year.
And naturally, Mount Whitney is already being discussed for next year.
Apparently, we’ve developed a tradition of choosing increasingly questionable ways to spend our vacations.
But after Temple, I’m not complaining.
There’s something special about pushing yourself beyond what you thought was possible, especially when you get to share the experience with two of your closest friends.
Here’s to more mountains, more adventures, and hopefully a few less concerned looks from the locals.