I have been Type one since 1998, when I was 16 years old. I had no idea how I was going to re-learn how to eat and behave, let alone where I would be ten years down the road. Now I am 26, married and I climb (up to 5.11) boulder to v4 and have spent months at a clip, hiking and climbing in various mountain ranges in North America.

A year ago at this time I was preparing for an extended dirtbagging trip with my then fiancee, now wife, and we had planned to hit all the major crags and ranges in the US and Canada. The obvious logistical challenges were present; being on the road for months, camping all the time, living frugally etc. Then came the more subtle challenges of being able to handle the fact that you have to keep your insulin cool even in the desert or that you have to stock up on insulin to get through certain parts of the country which have few if any pharmacies that accept your insurance. All of these things are simple realities for me which at the time I wrote off as being part of the game.

Risk is inherent to any kind of climbing, no matter how responsibly it is mitigated, and I realized that I had grown accustomed to protecting myself medically from blood sugar imbalances as well as from gravity whilst climbing. My wife pointed out to me on numerous occasions that the challenges met on such a trip might have a greater implication than simply our ability to run around in the high country.

I have never been into a self promotion or paperwork...or red tape. However I feel compelled to try and do something with the physical abilities I have that might raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes and raise funds for research and affordable medication for those affected.  I know that there are climbing events which enable sponsorship for every illness under the sun but none (which have recieved much media recognition) for type 1 Diabetes. I would like to either get on board with those who are already climbing towards these ends, or start my own organization to facilitate what I see as a real need in our community.

I was thinking either a hiking or climbing event. Possibly both? The details need some help but I am hoping you all can weigh in and give feedback on that. So far I would like to do US high points, ending with Denali which would be a nice segue into my seven summits bid. As a hiking challenge, either the PCT or the CDT. Any advice or feedback you can offer would be a big help.

I have a year or two to train and get all my ducks lined up while I get my Masters in Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Education at SUNY Cortland. After that, I will be about ready to get out and do some serious climbing again!

I look forward to any comments from you all,

Steve Richert