Mountain Climbing

What motivates you to reach your peak?

By Annette Beach

In 1999, I started F.A.C.T. (Friends w/ Arthritis Coping Together), a support group for young adults with rheumatic diseases and disabilities (see blog, “It’s a F.A.C.T.”).

When the idea for starting this group became real, I began to meet others with the same, similar or worse challenges I faced daily and was inspired by their accomplishments. Each person approached life with determination, refusing defeat! They overcame obstacles ranging from simple activities of daily living to maintaining independence after their bodies were wounded from the war within.

Our bodies are designed to work with us, fighting the enemies of disease and illness. Yet diseases like rheumatoid arthritis reverse the design creating chaos. It’s difficult to grasp the concept that my body is attacking me, causing severe damage to my structure, organs and ability to live life, leaving me with very little control.

One day I sketched a design symbolizing the inspirations gained from my new friends and used the picture as a visual of who we are. The sketch was simple, two mountains (one large, one small) and the sun, but the message was powerful. The mountains represent the challenges we overcome daily, some large, some small, while each sunrise is the start of a new day.

Being a lover of the outdoors, I’m in awe when I come upon a mountain. The majestic size and breathtaking beauty causes me to stop and stare for long periods of time. My mind often wonders as I ponder thoughts of their formation and the strengths necessary to move or get over them.

Recently I was inspired after watching a story about three men who climbed Kilimanjaro, a mountain at 19,334 feet above sea level in Africa. These men lost their legs after serving in three separate wars: Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Faced with unique challenges, they triumphed despite their disabilities and reached the peak of the fourth most prominent mountain in the world.

During the interview, I was struck by two comments. Tearfully and with great emotions, one man said, “When I woke up in the hospital five years ago without legs, I didn’t think I’d ever walk again, let alone climb a mountain.” Another said, “I didn’t know an amputee until I became an amputee.”

Although I will never be able to physically climb the mountains themselves, arthritis has presented my life with challenges, both physical and mental, comparable to climbing a mountain (figuratively). In 1995, I was told I’d never walk again, but I overcame, thanks to perseverance, inspiration and technology. Before F.A.C.T., I didn’t know other young adults with disabilities. The friendships, understanding and support equipped me with the will to continue climbing, regardless of the size of the mountain before me. Reaching the top is empowering and provides strength for the challenges yet to come.

What mountains have you climbed as a result of illness or life changes? Have you ever felt like giving up? Do you feel like you have to climb the same mountain over and over again? What motivates you to continue?