Acongagua for Asthma

This past year after two hospitalizations within six month of each other I was diagnosed as a chronic asthmatic that ultimately could lead to emphysema. ( I have never smoked) With hospital bills totaling well over $75,000.00 I was relieved that my health insurance kicked in but not without a battle - even though my policy clearly covered this kind of emergency and lengthy hospital stays. Initially I thought I'd never regain my former strength, and was shocked to learn that these types of severe episodes are common (but avoidable) amongst those with the disease. I decided to learn about the disease and fight back- refusing to accept the dire prognosis and enormous cost for medication I was to take for the rest of my life. The New York Times, October 12, 2013 had a front plus additional three page spread on the "Cost of Breathing in America." It is a scathing indictment of the greed by the pharmaceutical companies who have manipulated the costs (prohibitive to most) by redesigning inhalers using the same old medication. What cost $5-10 dollars (per month) in most foreign countries cost American asthmatics between $150.00 to $300.00 per month and that's the bare minimum, so much so that many have to ration out their doses. Approximately 250,000 people die prematurely each year from asthma. Almost all of these deaths are avoidable according to the World Health Organization.
With the permission of my pulmonary specialist I am setting out to summit Aconcagua (22, 831ft) the tallest mountain outside of the Himalayas to inspire and hopefully help expose the truth to the millions of asthma sufferers who can control their disease by learning what specifically triggers their asthma and take back control of their lives!
I am seeking your gift to make this dream come true - and to prove to all asthmatics of any age that they too can defy the odds and discover a fuller, richer and more active life. The expedition is December 6-29, 2014 so I have approximately 60 days left to secure the balance for this trip.