Monash Health’s Kilimanjaro Climb 2019

The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above the plains of East Africa is one of the most evocative sights in the world. Now imagine standing up there, breathing the air, taking in the panoramic views and feeling the immense sense of achievement at scaling the highest mountain in Africa.

What makes this experience even more special is knowing you’re there because you’ve raised funds to help Monash Health support better health in our community.

On this 11-day adventure, you will be pushed to your limit as you climb through five different climatic zones with the support of experienced guides.

Trekking from cultivated farmlands to lush rainforest, through alpine meadow and across the barren lunar-like landscape to the summit, you’ll witness the incredible sight of the sun rising over the East African plains below. You also have the chance to take part in a special project visit at an elephant sanctuary with IFAW, to learn more about these majestic animals and why their presence is so critical to the land.

With your challenge complete, you may choose to extend your travels with an optional 4-day safari adventure (additional cost). Marvel at the flamingo-lined Lake Manyara, visit the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and embark on an exciting game drive through the Serengeti.

The funds you raise in this challenge will go towards improved research capabilities, new medical equipment, staff training and support programs at Monash Health.

Monash Health is Victoria’s largest public health service. We are proud to provide healthcare to one-quarter of Melbourne’s population, across the entire life-span from newborn and children, to adults, the elderly, their families and carers.

Your fundraising will support additional services above and beyond what the government provides. You will support people in hospital, often going through one of the hardest experiences in their life. Recent fundraising efforts have supported the purchase of: special transport costs with ventilators for premature babies, patient bedside entertainment systems in the Children’s Hospital and recliner chairs for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Monash Health’s major hospitals which your fundraising will support include:

• Monash Children’s Hospital
• Monash Medical Centre
• Casey Hospital
• Dandenong Hospital
• Moorabbin Hospital
• Cranbourne Centre

Imagine seeing your precious baby, the one you have been awaiting the arrival of for 9 months, hooked up to all matter of wires and medical apparatus, and rushed onto a specially equipped neonatal ambulance. This was the experience for my partner, Zoe and I when our son Austin was born on June 15, 2017.

When Austin was first born everything seemed as it should and for a moment I was the proudest father alive. But then Austin started turning blue. Helplessly I watched as our tiny son was fitted with an assisted breathing device. Yet he still struggled for air. A specialised team was dispatched to transport Austin to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Monash Children’s Hospital.Our precious baby boy was fighting for his life. The fragility of life and its ability to be taken away was staring us right in the face. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

But it was in the capable hands of the Monash Children’s Hospital doctors, nurses and surgeons, that I found some comfort. I knew they were doing everything in their power to give my son the chance to live.

It was discovered that Austin had swallowed a deadly mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid deep into his lungs shortly before birth. He was also suffering from a range of other issues including; a small hole in his little heart, secondary infections, a hole in his lung causing inability to breathe on his own. Austin had to be sedated. He would get worse before he got better.

Get better he did and after 3 weeks in NICU at Monash Children’s Hospital we could finally take our baby boy home. There is not a day goes by now that I don’t look at my son and tell him what a miracle he is.

The team at Monash Children’s Hospital saved my sons life. Neither words nor money could ever repay them for the work they have done. In some small way we want to make a difference.

I will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for Monash Health in February 2019 to honour the challenges my son went through, and to demonstrate my appreciation for the staff who saved his life. My son climbed the first of many mountains that life throws at you so now it’s my turn. I hope you will join me, and take on the challenge to support healthy futures for thousands of patients like my son Austin.

Floyd Nangreave, Monash Health Kilimanjaro climb participant

Want to learn more? Enter your details in the form to instantly receive your information pack.

Ready to register? Click on the Register Now button to secure your spot on the team.

Questions? Give us a call on 1300 905 188.