Two years ago, as my son-in-law was preparing to climb Mount Everest, I revisited my old dream of climbing Kilimanjaro. This was a goal that I set many years ago when I was much younger and the physical demands of the climb seemed insignificant. As I approach the big 60, doubt sets in along with regret that I didn't take the time to do it earlier. I reread newspaper clippings about a local grandmother going to climb Kili, and then another joining her and yet another. Might I still have the stamina to do it too? What really caught my attention was the greater purpose of the climb. To combine the two, I could not resist. Decision made. Here I am excitedly preparing for an adventure of a lifetime.

What might that greater purpose be? It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the devastating effects of the pandemic sweeping sub-Saharan Africa. Currently there is an estimated 15 million children orphaned by Aids and projected to reach 18-20 million by the year 2010.

Through funds raised, it is also to support African grandmothers as they struggle to raise their orphan grandchildren alone with few resources. It's hard to imagine what it must be like to bury your own children, and what an enormous grief and responsibility they deal with as they parent grandchildren who are alone, bereaved, impoverished and confused. In their senior years, these courageous African grannies have become mothers again to care for their own grand kids and often for others that have no where else to go. And they need our help.

Climbing Africa's highest peek won't be a piece of cake. I’ve barely forgotten the physical demands, sore toes and achy muscles I experienced when I walked 60km through the streets of Toronto in ' The Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk’ in 2004. Crossing the finish line felt good but the real reward was in knowing that in some small way I made a difference in someone's life.

I must admit, I have a soft spot in my heart for mothers and grandmothers. They are special women with deep love and undying devotion for their children and grandchildren. For the first seven years of my life, my family and I lived with my paternal grandma and the extended family, in a small village in Croatia where I was born. Grandma was my care taker while my parents worked in the fields and in the vineyard. I was lucky to have her around to comfort me and to snuggle with for my afternoon naps and frequent overnights.

My maternal grandmother was a stoic woman, talented seamstress, and a risk taker. After 6 years of marriage, my grandpa decided to take the boat to Canada in search of his 'pot of gold'. His dream of making it big and returning home to his wife and 3 children was interrupted by the Great Depression and then the Second World War. Grandmother was left raising the family alone. Suitcase in hand, courageously she left her homeland and rejoined her husband in Canada after some 35 years of separation. This opened the door for the rest of us to follow and make Canada our home.

My mom and grandmas, through their examples of courage, stamina, and commitment, contributed greatly to the person I am today. Their entrepreneurial skills passed down to me have served me well in various business ventures including real estate, fashion, property management and currently my health and wellness business. Their spirit resonates within me and will see me through every step on Mount Kilimanjaro. So will grateful thoughts of my good life and my family. Married for almost 39 years, we have two daughters, a son and five grandchildren. They opened my eyes to different cultures and exotic places and continue to inspire me to be the best I can be.

I look forward to standing tall on the crown of Africa with my team mates. Together we will celebrate knowing that your support and our efforts will help African grandmothers in numerous ways: food and shelter, opportunities to earn a living, books and uniforms for their grandchildren, counseling and support and hope for a healthier future for themselves and their orphaned grandchildren.

        Barbara Carriere
        May 14, 2007