I hope the New Year is treating you well. So far, this year has been very busy for me. I’ve been working hard to get through school and going on many, many hikes. All of my hard work should bring great rewards in the end - graduating from the University of Washington, and crossing another item off my life’s to do list…. climbing Mount Rainier. Yes, that’s right. I ‘ve been training to summit that picturesque peak of the Northwest. At 14,410 feet, it is considered the most difficult climb in the lower 48 states. You must be thinking I’m crazy, right? Why would I want to put myself through all that physical exhaustion and stress? Well, for several reasons actually.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve hiked all around Mt. Rainier. My parents took me hiking as a kid and that’s when I became hooked. I’ve dreamed of what it would be like to be at the summit of Mount Rainier, and wondered when my opportunity would come. It’s here now, as I’m climbing to raise money for the American Lung Association of Washington. I’ve committed to raise a minimum of $3,500 for the ALAW’s Climb for Clean Air.

What’s the Climb for Clean Air? It’s an annual 2-day trek to the summit of Mt. Rainier led by the renowned mountaineer Lou Whittaker. Each year, the Climb generates nearly half a million dollars to support the ALAW’s goals.

The American Lung Association has a mission to prevent lung diseases such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer, which makes breathing for those inflicted by these illnesses a difficult task. This non-profit organization also fights against outdoor air pollutants and to reduce tobacco use. Did you know that tobacco causes more deaths than cocaine, heroin, alcohol, homicide, suicide, traffic accidents, fires, and AIDS combined?

This is where my other reason for the climb comes in. My grandfather died from emphysema at an early age of 67, the result of years of smoking. Seeing him at the end of his life struggling just to breathe left an impression on me that I’ve carried on throughout my life. Raising money for the American Lung Association is a chance for me to help stop this kind of suffering.

And this is how you can help. I’ve never attempted anything like this before…the Climb or the fundraising. I’m asking that you show your support for me and the ALAW in at least one of the following ways:

	Send a tax deductible* donation, made out to the American Lung Association of WA to: Bonnie Castle 4117 Somerset Lane Kent WA, 98032
	Check out my website to see my progress and donate online by credit card @ www.alaw.org/summit/BonnieCastle

	Help me spread the word about what I’m doing. -- Mention the Climb to 3 friends and ask it they’d be interested in sponsoring me… wait, make it 5 friends! More information on the Climb at www.alaw.org
	Many companies match their employee’s charitable giving. – Ask your employer to match your gift!
	Send an email with words of encouragement to bomacastle@yahoo.com
	Do it today! I’m a little late in starting the fundraising process, as I only have about a month left to raise my funds and secure a spot on the Climb.