Skiing for Marie
Family, Friends, Comradery and the great outdoors. These are the highlights of a good life. As I embark on my second Camels Hump Challenge on February 3rd, all these aspects of my life come together.
First, the challenge is a fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. Alzheimer’s is personally for me, as it robbed the golden years of my second mom. Marie was the mother of my childhood best friend, Don Martin. I spent hours at her house, and she treated me like one of her own children. She helped teach me many valuable life lessons. In her later years, she had one of the most severe cases of Alzheimer's I’ve ever witnessed. It was tough on her husband and children who tenderly cared for her as she slowly lost recognition of the people she loved.
Participating in the challenge was my daughter Kate’s idea. Don was always considered one of her uncles when she was growing up, and she has fond memories of visiting Don’s family at their beach house. Kate started and captained an 8-person team in 2021. I’m blessed that she loves the great outdoors as much as I do. The team name this year is Everyone But Kate. As a new mom, it was impractical for her to join the team this year. My grandson Theo (Thomas) was born on December 29th. Kate is adjusting to life as a parent with her amazing husband Will. The team honored her by naming the team after her. She is hoping next year we can be named Kate’s Return.
The members of the team are all good friends, who I’ve joined for many crazy outdoor adventures - back country ski trips, triathlons, epic hikes, mountain bike adventures, etc. We had many misadventures on our first Camels Hump Challenge but laughed all day long. We’re hoping to have a better showing this time around, but either way, we know it will be a great day.
Lastly, there aren’t many places more beautiful than Camels Hump Mountain in the winter. It’s the third highest summit of Vermont’s Green Mountains and showcases an iconic granite peak. The challenge is a rigorous 13-mile wilderness ski touring experience where skiers traverse around the perimeter of Camel's Hump. A long uphill trek, beautiful vistas, and a long downhill through tight trees. They call it a challenge for a reason.
A day outdoors with good friends while raising money to honor the life of my best friend’s mother. It's an event that calls me to participate. My hope is the money we raise will help eradicate Alzheimer’s, so my grandson’s generation never has to experience a grandparent who no longer recognizes their family.
I appreciate your support in raising funds for the Alzheimer's Association .
Tom Bergeron
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