press_release

June 11, 2008 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Man Refuses Radiation & Chemo Therapy to Summit Everest for Missing Children

Anchorage, Alaska: Everest Update; Everest has brought fame and glory to the few who has stood on its summit. Conquering the tallest peak in the world is naturally a milestone in anyone's career, but its heartening when the glory that's attached to the conquest is utilized for a worthy cause. George LaMoureaux’s recent return from a 77 day mission climbing Everest was for the purpose of filming "The First National Missing Children's Telethon" going from the "Coldest Mountain on the Planet" (Denali) to the "Tallest Mountain on the Earth" (Everest). LaMoureaux, who is 51, has also survived five cancer surgeries. His climb to the summit of Denali and now Mt. Everest, as he told us during the course of the interview, was also to inspire cancer patients "not to give up, to turn their life around and survive".
LaMoureaux a Cancer patient who in October, November and December of last year underwent 5 Cancer surgeries; refused to undergo a full course of radiation and platinum based chemo therapy in order to finish the filming of the First National Missing Children’s Telethon for the benefit of A Child Is Missing and inspire and empower others effected by cancer not to throw in the towel when diagnosed with this life threatening disease. This story has become an inspiration to many who have been effected by cancer and tells of one man’s extraordinary effort to help save missing children’s lives along with inspiring and empowering others “Not” to give up when they are hardest hit by this killer of millions (Cancer). LaMoureaux opted to take a holistic approach to curing his cancer instead; with a strict organic diet provided by Steve Plante’ the owner of the Organic Oasis along with an extensive line of whole food supplements designed to enhance his own immune system to fight off the cancer in a way that more naturally kills the cancer at it’s source along with lots of prayers.
LaMoureaux’s mission in climbing Everest; “I climbed Everest because its part of our plan, which is the Missing Children's Telethon, an epic adventure seven years in the making, that will be aired nationwide, on one of the networks (to be announced). “Our theme was to go from the coldest mountain on the planet Denali (20,320 ft) in Alaska to the tallest mountain on Earth Everest at (29,035 ft)”. We had already filmed and climbed Denali before coming to Everest.
So, how does Broadcasting the Denali and Everest adventure help the Missing children's cause? We are broadcasting a program which has both the climbing of Denali and the climbing of Everest to entertain America which is a first and has never been filmed like this before, because typically America does not watch television if it’s not entertaining enough. If we had a program just telling people about the two to three thousand children that are reported missing in America every day, then a great number of the viewers would just turn the channel. So we entertain them with an epic adventure and all the while we are broadcasting a separate message in typed form at the bottom of the screen to help save and protect children's lives along with taking the viewing audience back to the studio audience where we do tell them about the missing children problem, by hearing and seeing the stories about the missing children from their families and the stories of the found children too along with telling how the program works with Law Enforcement, with their support along with political and celebrity endorsements and with their donations these missing children can be found. Once we get their attention by entertaining them, then we can spoon feed them the information about the missing children. Our political supporters include President George W. Bush, his brother former Governor Jed Bush, Former Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, Former Alaska Governor William J. Sheffield, Former Alaska Governor and Secretary of The Interior Walter J. Hickel Sr. and others in the Congress. We anticipate additional political and celebrity endorsements and donations through out the entire program.
LaMoureaux said, “my climb was also endorsed by the Lance Armstrong Foundation, to inspire and empower others not to give up when they have cancer because most of the people do throw in the towel and give up.
LaMoureaux emphasized the point and said, “I tried to do something so extreme that people would know that if I could do it, at 51 years old having just gone thru 5 cancer surgeries only 2 ½ months prior to climbing Everest, then they too can survive, turn their life around and not give up!”
The Summit Team included their Expedition Leader Tim Rippel of Peak Freaks Expeditions, George LaMoureaux, Dominique Gilbert, Larry Williams, Scott Morentensen, Tim Rippel, Faruq Alzuman along with the Sherpa Team who summited with them and are as follows: Jang Bu Sherpa, Dendi Sherpa, Mingmar Sherpa, Karma Sherpa, Gelzen Sherpa, Kajee Sherpa, Ang Pasang Sherpa and Lhakpa Bote Sherpa.
On Climbing Everest to its summit; LaMoureaux said, “we climbed well even though it was a very difficult climb. We started for the summit on the first window of opportunity we had at about 9:00 pm on the 20th of May we left Camp IV, there was a full moon and it was a clear night which made it easy to see, as it was a mystic and incredibly beautiful evening”. LaMoureaux’s Summit Team and their Sherpa’s summited the main summit of Mt. Everest on May 21, 2008 at 1:08 pm and was the first day after the Chinese approved them to do so once the 2008 Olympic Torch was carried to the summit of Everest.
There was no excuses for this Summit Team of LaMoureaux’s as they summited the world’s tallest mountain at 29,035 feet on their first attempt on the first approved climbing window/day of 2008 once the Chinese military allowed them to do so as they were restricted from climbing until they were approved. If however, an attempt was made to climb Everest’s summit was before this approval by the Chinese Military, “the climber’s would have been shot”. “While we were there on Everest waiting for the Chinese to approve and remove this restriction we did see military ready to shoot us if we had proceeded to climb any earlier, it was a very serious and tense situation”, LaMoureaux said. Furthermore, “if there was an attempt to have a political viewpoint such as wearing a t-shirt saying Free Tibet, or even using a Satellite telephone to communicate while on Everest during this restricted period we would have been forcibly removed from the climb and asked not to return to the country for at least two years and loose all of the money expended on the climb which averaged about $100,000.00 for each person on the climb”.
Regarding one of our climber’s who was not able to complete the climb; Nabil “Nabs” Lodey, an English attorney who now lives and practices law in Paris “he just did not feel physically up to the summit attempt after a grueling 100 mile in climb to base camp and several climbs down to other villages along with his climbs up and across the Khumbu Glacier to higher camps. LaMoureaux said that, “he believes that Nabbs could have made it, but he had overextended himself and further said; “had Nabbs been able to get more rest, he would have made it!” Nabbs said about LaMoureaux, “George arrived a few days later than the rest of us. As soon as he arrived we were bombarded with statistics and facts regarding his chosen charity "America's missing children". Before too long, we were also able to recite the figures from memory due to the numerous occasions that we were reminded by George. I only mention this as it is indicative of George's energy and passion to promote and do everything he can do assist others, and in this case, a very worthy cause. In the short time I have known George I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone and he was possibly the most courteous and polite climber in Base Camp who would always go out of his way to help anyone. He has a heart of gold yet it is his bladder that is more impressive as we were all amazed at George's incredible ability to fill a 4 liter bottle with urine each night!! (The pee bottle phenomenon is also the subject of much discussion at base camp). Finally, I feel that it is my duty to inform his family that George is now addicted to the series "24" with Kiefer Sutherland. Every night, when George rose from the dinner table and placed himself in front of the DVD, I knew that it was time to set up for the evening's episode. George's family would be well advised to buy a few of the box sets of "24" to assist George on his return to civilization”.
As for close calls that our team had; LaMoureaux early on in the climb fell into a crevasse and was hanging upside with his foot logged in the side of the crevasse with what he thought was a broken leg and ankle but later recovered from the fall after praying all night for a miraculous recovery which enabled him to continue his climb. Saad Naseer a climber on our team who was attempting to make a new world record by being the first to summit Everest and do so by going from Katmandu to the Summit of Everest and back to Katmandu faster than any one in history was our first close call who fell into a crevasse when he was crossing a crevasse on a series of ladders which were loosely roped together. One of our other climbers Sultan Alismaili made it to the South Summit of Everest but did so at a very high cost, as he got altitude sickness and collapsed just after he summited the South Summit of Everest, he had actually died for a short time and then our Expedition leader Tim Rippel revived him and LaMoureaux was a part of the team that was there and assisted Sultan in his recovery. Sultan however ended up with a serious frostbite of his hands and feet and will most likely loose some fingers. Then Larry Williams a school teacher from Reno, Nevada in an effort to Save Sultan’s life gave up his personal oxygen and attempted to climb down without it. Unfortunately however, Larry Williams was not able to go as far as he wanted without it and LaMoureaux when he later found Larry who had collapsed in the snow was asked by Larry “to get help” but LaMoureaux, insisted that if he went to get help that Larry would be dead by the time LaMoureaux returned. So, LaMoureaux told Larry that “he would share his oxygen with him and climb down with him, as there was no other options” and they climbed down out of the “Death Zone” together and got Larry the oxygen he needed to return to the safety of Camp IV.
Additional hardships on Everest for LaMoureaux, was half way thru the climb he was notified by satellite phone that his sister Mia LaMoureaux had been murdered here in Anchorage. He immediately wanted to come home but his family encouraged him to stay and finish the climb; “as your sister would have wanted you to finish this and not give up”. So, LaMoureaux dedicated this climb to her and finished it on the summit of Mt. Everest as she would have wanted him too. To date there is no definitive answers as to what exactly happened to LaMoureaux’s sister Mia and police are still working on the case.
“On the same day we summited May 21, 2008 not everybody made it” LaMoureaux said, and was noted: as veteran Mountain Climber Uwe Goltz died on Mt. Everest, Uwe Gianni Goltz, a member of Kari Kobler commercial expedition died on Mt Everest. Gianni was attempting Everest without oxygen. Gianni had climbed G2, Cho Oyu (2003), Manaslu (2002), Broad Peak, Shishapangma and Dhaulagiri. Goltz was from Val Maggia in southern Switzerland. He was 44 years old. LaMoureaux said, “May our prayers be with his family”... His family has been notified. Everest fact: “For every 10 successful attempts to climb Everest there is usually one death”. Everest has claimed more than 210 lives, including 15 who perished during a 1996 storm high on the mountain. Conditions are so difficult in the “Death Zone” that most corpses have been left where they fell, some of which are visible from standard climbing routes.
A Team from NASA was also on Everest this year and used LaMoureaux and a few of the other climbers on his team as participants in a NASA project to test their mental abilities in an oxygen less environment as they were tested thru ought the climb. LaMoureaux and his fellow climbers were registered as 2008 NASA Participants and were given Official Designation as NASA Participants and Official NASA patches for their participation.
Suggestions to Everest Hopefuls; “Drink like a fish and eat like a pig!” said LaMoureaux. This is what most all of the experts say but when doing so, make sure that the water is purified and you have the right mix of Organic Foods that are balanced with enough proteins and carbohydrates to get you there and back along with top performing whole food supplements. Also, get a good expedition leader. I would recommend Tim Rippel of Peak Freaks Expeditions. In addition, buy extra oxygen and have it laid out all along the way, ready for any possible delay or emergency. And in conclusion get extra Sherpa’s. They know the peak, they know the problems and they know how to avoid them and save your life!

For Additional Information and over 800 pictures contact:
George LaMoureaux at 1-907-522-7777
Also you can review our websites at:
www.climbforamericaschildren.com
www.achildismissing.org
www.peakfreaks.com

More information on Everest
Everest from the South Side in Nepal
Base Camp - 17,500 feet (5350 meters)
This is a description of the popular South Col Route up Mt. Everest which is the famous route that was pioneered by Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on their First Summit of Everest. Base camp is located at 17,500 feet; this is where climbers begin their true trip up the mountain. This is also where support staff often remain to monitor the expeditions and provide medical assistance when necessary. Many organizations offer hiking trips which just go to base camp as the trip is not technically challenging (though you must be very fit).
From base camp, climbers typically train and acclimate (permitting the body to adjust to the decreased oxygen in the air) by traveling and bringing supplies back and forth through the often treacherous Khumbu Icefall. This training and recuperation continues throughout the climb, with the final summit push often being the only time to climbers do not go back and forth between camps to train, bring supplies, and recuperate for the next push.
The Icefall is in constant motion. It contains enormous ice seracs, often larger than houses, which dangle precariously over the climbers heads, threatening to fall at any moment without warning, as the climbers cross endless crevasses and listen to continuous ice creaking below. This often acts as a testing ground to judge if less experienced climbers will be capable of continuing. The Icefall is located between 17,500 and 19,500 feet.
Camp I - 5900 meters
After the Icefall, the climbers arrive at Camp I, which is located at 19,500 feet. Depending on the type of expedition, Camp I will either be stocked by the climbers as they ascend and descend the Icefall, or by Sherpa’s in advance.
The area between Camp I and Camp II is known as the Western Cwm. As the climbers reach Camp II at 21,000 feet, they may be temporarily out of sight of their support at Base camp. Nonetheless, modern communication devises permit the parties to stay in contact.
Camp II - 6500 meters
As the climbers leave Camp II, they travel towards the Lhotse face (Lhotse is a 27,920 foot mountain bordering Everest). The Lhotse face is a steep, shiny icy wall. Though not technically extremely difficult, one misstep or slip could mean a climber's life. Indeed, many climbers have lost their lives through such mishaps.
Camp III - 23,700 feet (7200 meters)
To reach Camp III, climbers must negotiate the Lhotse Face. Climbing a sheer wall of ice demands skill, strength and stamina. It is so steep and treacherous that many Sherpas move directly from Camp II to Camp IV on the South Col, refusing to stay on the Lhotse Face.
Camp IV - 26,300 feet (8000 meters)
As you’re leaving C4…it’s a little bit of a down slope, with the uphill side to the left. There are typically snow on the ledges to walk down on, interspersed with rock, along with some fixed rope. The problem with the rope is that the anchors are bad, and there’s not much holding the rope and a fall could be serious. Fortunately it’s not too steep, but there is a ton of exposure and people are usually tired when walking down from camp. The rock is a little down sloping to the right as well, and with crampons on, it can be bit tricky with any kind of wind. There’s a little short slope on reliable snow which leads to the top of the Geneva Spur, and the wind pressure gradient across the spur can increase there as you’re getting set up for the rappel. Wearing an oxygen mask here can create some footing issues during the rappel, because it’s impossible to see over the mask and down to the feet. For that reason, some people choose to leave Camp 4 without gas, as it’s easier to keep moving down the Spur when it’s important to see all the small rock steps and where the old feet are going. Navigating down through all of the spaghetti of fixed ropes is a bit of a challenge, especially with mush for brains at that point. One lands on some lower ledges which aren’t so steep, where fixed ropes through here are solid. At this point, it’s just a matter of staying upright, and usually, the wind has died significantly after dropping off the Spur.The route turns hard to the left onto the snowfield that leads to the top of the Yellow Bands.
Camp IV, which is at 26,300 on the Lhotse face, is typically the climbers' first overnight stay in the Death Zone. The Death Zone is above 26,000 feet. Though there is nothing magical about that altitude, it is at this altitude that most human bodies lose all ability to acclimate. Accordingly, the body slowly begins to deteriorate and die - thus, the name "Death Zone." The longer a climber stays at this altitude, the more likely illness (HACE - high altitude cerebral edema - or HAPE - high altitude pulmonary edema) or death will occur. Most climbers will use oxygen to climb and sleep at this altitude and above. Generally, Sherpas refuse to sleep on the Lhotse face and will travel to either Camp II or Camp IV.
Camp IV is located at 26,300 feet. This is the final major camp for the summit push. It is at this point that the climbers make their final preparations. It is also a haven for worn-out climbers on their exhausting descent from summit attempts (both successful and not). Sherpas or other climbers will often wait here with supplies and hot tea for returning climbers.
From Camp IV, climbers will push through the Balcony, at 27,500 feet, to the Hillary Step at 28,800 feet. The Hillary Step, an over 70 foot rock step, is named after Sir. Edmond Hillary, who in 1953, along with Tenzing Norgay, became the first people to summit Everest. The Hillary Step, which is climbed with fixed ropes, often becomes a bottleneck as only one climber can climb at a time. Though the Hillary Step would not be difficult at sea level for experienced climbers, at Everest's altitude, it is considered the most technically challenging aspect of the climb.
Summit – 29,035 feet = (8 849.868 meters)
Once the climbers ascend the Hillary Step, they slowly and laboriously proceed to the summit at 29,035 feet = (8 849.868 meters) The summit sits at the top of the world. Though not the closest place to the sun due to the earth's curve, it is the highest peak on earth. Due to the decreased air pressure, the summit contains less than one third the oxygen as at sea level. If dropped off on the summit directly from sea level (impossible in reality), a person would die within minutes. Typically, climbers achieving the great summit will take pictures, gain their composure, briefly enjoy the view, then return to Camp IV as quickly as possible. The risk of staying at the summit and the exhaustion from achieving the summit is too great to permit climbers to fully enjoy the great accomplishment at that moment.
As most readers of this page know, the return trip can be even more dangerous than the climb to the summit.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jerry Neeser Supports Missing Children
Anchorage, Alaska: During the World Press Conference and announcement of the completion of the final filming on Mt. Everest of the First National Missing Children’s Telethon for the Benefit of A Child Is Missing, held at the Organic Oasis Restaurant and Juice Bar, where guests were in attendance. Jerry Neeser founder and owner of Neeser Construction, a strong supporter of A Child Is Missing and contractor for the last 39 years, which employs approx. 1,000 people; who applies a “can-do” attitude in every situation, no matter how difficult”, as originally taught to him by his father Louis; has committed the funds to complete the Everest Filming of the telethon for the history making event.
The historic timing of the event is paralleled by the 50th Anniversary of the Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s First Summit of Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953 simultaneously with the Queens of England’s Coronation of that same year and the 2008 Olympics Torch being carried to the Summit of Everest during the opening of the 2008 Olympic Games this year. Neeser agreed to fund the filming to Mt. Everest of the Climb For America's Children and A Child Is Missing's "First National Missing Children Telethon", an Extreme Sport NeXt Generation Telethon for the benefit of A Child Is Missing. The funds raised from this event will go to fund the operations and expansion of the National Command Center, Training of Law Enforcement and Awareness Campaigns.
A Child Is Missing is a 501 (3) (C) Non-Profit Organization that works with law enforcement in the first few critical hours of a child's disappearance. When a child is reported missing, time is of the essence and determines whether they live or die, A Child Is Missing is the first response group that works directly and exclusively with law enforcement in the first few critical hours and this program is free to law enforcement. Alaska was the second state outside of Florida to have the program available to them which also helps Alzheimer's and the disabled.
As there are over 2,000 to 3,000 children reported missing in America every day according to the FBI and the US Department of Justice which is a fact that is mostly unknown to the general public and the First National Missing Children's Telethon will highlight these and other facts that relate to this life saving effort in protecting our children. LaMoureaux, a National Advisory Board Member for the last seven years said; "we greatly appreciate our sponsors and Jerry Neeser's support, because without them and Jerry’s help in the last few hours before the window closes, this event would not happen this year and over 800,000 or more children would be reported missing without the families in America knowing about this travesty inside our own country and the critical funding that event will raise will not come in, and that means lives lost and we can not allow this to happen!"
George LaMoureaux, who has been on a seven year mission to help find missing children, is also fighting another battle; as a “Recent Cancer Survivor” that has had five Cancer Surgeries in the last two months before climbing Everest and is on a “Customized All Natural Nutritional Recovery Program” for pre-climb, during the climb and post climb of Everest from sponsor Steve Plante’, owner of the Organic Oasis which will strengthen LaMoureaux’s immune system and create the strength to climb Mt. Everest. LaMoureaux, also received substantial recognition and support from the Lance Armstrong Foundation for Inspiring and Empowering People Effected by Cancer.
LaMoureaux, who Summited the 20,320 ft. Peak of Denali in 2002, which was filmed by a FOX / Olympics Camera Crew, where they went up Denali with only 17 days worth of food and because of bad weather conditions stayed for 31, and half the team turned around and went home, several died that year on the mountains, but LaMoureaux stayed until he and half of his team summited. LaMoureaux and his team in the completion of this filmed event Summited Everest's highest Peak of 29,038 ft. on May 21, 2008 at 1:08 pm; departed Alaska March 17, 2008, “Saint Patrick’s Day”, which is also his “younger brother Bart’s birthday” who is one of six of LaMoureaux’s family members who died within the last two years, said; of his brother “he knows in his heart that he will be there too and he is not forgotten!” LaMoureaux returned to Anchorage, Friday June 6th and said that, “he was happy to be back home!”
The continuation of this filmed event which will show both Denali and Everest; is expected to be broadcasted to millions nationwide as a part of the “First National Missing Children's Telethon", taking television viewers to the “Coldest Mountain on the Planet” and then to the “Tallest Mountain on the Planet”; all the while feeding viewers information on the missing children problem in America and showing them a part of the solution with law enforcement utilizing A Child Is Missing’s First Alert Program at the same time, as this is a real problem!
According to the FBI and the US Department of Justice’s most recent figures there are over 2,000 to 3,000 children reported missing every day in America. A Child Is Missing is the “first and only” organization/program that works exclusively with Law Enforcement in the search and recovery of missing children in the first few critical hours of a child’s disappearance, which usually determines whether they live or die. From A Child Is Missing’s National Command Center; which is Operational 24 hours a day 365 days a year; once a call is received from law enforcement, we Geo-Map and Triangulate the Position of the Last Sighting of a child and send out 1,000 Emergency Alert Calls a minute to the area where the child was last seen until an entire city is impacted. The program is free to Law Enforcement nationwide. There are success stories on our website at: www.achildismissing.org
A Child Is Missing’s Program is now in all Fifty States Nationwide and to date we have over 325 safe assisted recoveries to our credit. We work with the US Marshal’s Service, FBI, State and Local Law Enforcement agencies, Attorney Generals offices and other Child Safety Groups. The program has been used successfully for over 11 years. We also, assist in School Lock Downs, CART, Airport Alerts for children and Alzheimer’s.
Further written support and positive comments came from, George W. Bush, former President of the United States who said, "to convey his best wishes for a successful event."
Former,Florida Governor Jeb Bush, who said, "We need to increase public understanding and awareness of this problem to prevent this alarming rate from continuing. I appreciate your commitment to your community and the contributions you have made to enhance both our way of life and our society as a whole."
Former, Alaska Governor Tony Knowles, said, "I applaud your efforts in organizing this extreme sport charitable event to raise funds for the "National Command Center." Heightened awareness of the "National Rapid Response System" will enable law enforcement officials to find missing children across the country, a truly worthy cause. Your selfless commitment to the success and the future development of "A Child Is Missing is extremely impressive. On behalf of all Alaskans, thank you for your dedication to serving our country and communities in the past, present and future."
Former Alaska Governor William J. Sheffield, said, "You will make Alaska proud that you have come up with this interesting way to assist in raising funds to not only bring the program to Alaska but to help other states and the children in those states. The awareness to the public that your climb will generate will alert the families in their time of need that there is immediate help for them to find there child that is missing in the first hours of their disappearance. The Climb For America's Children event and A Child Is Missing program is so very important to this country. You have my support."
Former Alaska Governor and Secretary of The Interior Walter J. Hickel Sr. said, "Something this horrifying needs to be dealt with in an immediate and strategic manner. Your support for the National Command Center and the National Rapid Response System (now nationwide because of your fundraising campaign) has enabled and will continue to help law enforcement officials to find missing children here in Alaska and across the nation. This is a noble cause that needs broad support."
A Child Is Missing's Board of Directors and Advisory Board looks like the who's who of Law Enforcement, and the Founder Sherry Friedlander was awarded the coveted "J. Edgar Hoover Award for Distinguished Public Service" by the National Association of Chiefs of Police.
A Child Is Missing's Founder Sherry Friedlander said, "The need is real and this event is important to us, as it will give us the money we need to continue to fund the ACIM Search and Recovery Center which operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year and the continued training of law enforcement. We are hoping that more caring individuals like Jerry Neeser and our other sponsors will immediately support us as we progress to the Telethon! "A Child Is Missing has over 325 assisted rescues to their record and services law enforcement in all 50 states.........

For Additional Information and over 800 pictures contact:
George LaMoureaux at 1-907-522-7777
Also you can review our websites at:
www.climbforamericaschildren.com
www.achildismissing.org
www.peakfreaks.com