Together towards the top

Expedition for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients climbing the Aconcagua

The C-MEX Foundation, Chronic Mountaineering Expeditions, wants to climb the Aconcagua (6962 metres) in South America with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. The foundation wants to prove that a chronic illness doesn’t necessarily stand in the way of a great performance.  

Couldn’t, shouldn’t, wouldn’t?

For many people, a chronic illness signals a total change in lifestyle. It may be hard to find out which ways to choose once you’ve accepted ‘there’s something wrong’. Living life with a chronic illness reflects on the way in which you function, which can be a burden for yourself as a patient, as well as the people around you. However, a chronic illness does not mean that you couldn’t or shouldn’t want to do things. People can make choices and choose to go on.

This expedition wants to prove the power of the individual and the guts of a group combined. Alongside great performances.

Together towards the top

The expedition’s goal is to demonstrate that a chronic illness doesn’t need to be hindrance. Because of this, C-MEX wishes to put together a group of climbers that is as diverse as possible. Men or women, young or old, everyone who’s able-bodied and enthusiastic should be given this window of opportunity. This wish is also expressed in the team of professionals who will guide the expedition. Representatives in several fields of expertise, they will offer the suitable support during the expedition.

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis in everyday life

Crohn’s disease Crohn’s disease is a chronic disease that can cause inflammation anywhere along the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis disease also causes inflammation, which affects the inner lining of the colon. Most Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients are able to lead a reasonably normal life after treatment. Some, however, experience very hard to control inflammations. For these patients, an extensive treatment along with medication is necessary.

A healthy lifestyle, special diet and avoiding smoking, surely contributes to a bearable life with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Sporting actively and daily exercise also positively influences the health of patients who suffer from these chronic illnesses. A fit, conscious and balanced lifestyle makes you stronger and gives s you energy. People who enjoy such a lifestyle are perfect participants for this special expedition to the top of the Aconcagua!

The expedition roughly outlined

The participants in the Crohn-colitis expedition will depart from Amsterdam and fly to Buenos Aires. From here, the group will make a short flight to Mendoza. In Mendoza, the expedition truly begins. The group will climb to approximately 4300 metres, where they will organise their base-camp. Up to this height, baggage will be carried by mules. In base-camp a few days of rest will be scheduled, so as to adjust to the altitude and it’s effect on your body. From base-camp, higher situated camps will be organised. These higher camps will accommodate the final climb to the top. As a whole, the expedition will take approximately three weeks and is supposed to take place in December 2006 / January 2007.

The story of Klaas Dokter

Klaas Dokter is the initiator of both the C-MEX foundation and the first Crohn-colitis expedition. In 2001 Klaas is diagnosed with total ulcerative colitis. After enduring long periods of sickness and intensive treatment and rehabilitation Klaas regains most of his health and strength. Even though he is considered recovered, he still experiences the impact of the illness on a daily basis. To feel more than ‘just a colitis patient’, Klaas embarks upon a huge challenge; he wants to climb the Mont Blanc. As an ardent Alpine lover and practiced mountaineer he succeeds.

This fantastic achievement is the main subject of several lectures Klaas gives to patients of the CCUVN, the Dutch Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis association. During these lectures Klaas finds himself entertaining the idea of organising his own expedition, solely for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients. Klaas easily enthuses patients, friends, professional mountaineers and guides for this special journey. From 2006 on the C-MEX team is working hard on turning an idea into reality. The Crohn-colitis expedition is a way for Klaas to make a statement; “Even though ‘there’s something wrong’, it doesn’t mean you can’t achieve great things.” The journey towards the top has begun!

 Klaas Dokter (left) arrives on the top of the Mont Blanc