“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S Eliot

For my 40th birthday I set out on a journey that would turn out to be one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life; I set out to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. You see, about a year ago I received terrible and heartbreaking news, I had breast cancer for the second time… Through many more surgeries and long treatment, I defeated cancer again! After this challenging recovery, I felt the need to prove to myself that I was still the person I knew, and that I still had strength in me. But this wasn’t just about me, I had the spirit and strength of many patients & survivors in my corner to keep me focused.

Starting a new decade of my life on “The Roof of Africa”. I needed to know my body was still physically strong after this last year. Without a doubt, this was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life; challenging me mentally, physically, and emotionally. Staying in tents with wet clothes that would never dry, not showering for 9 days, getting my game face on before sunrise, collapsing in bed by 7:30 pm, and climbing for 6-7 hours daily across incredibly difficult and wildly different terrains. I not only learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, I opened my front door and welcomed it in like a box of Girl Scout cookies. On the 19th of February, I started on the last leg and I summited in the early morning hours of February 20th at Uruhu Peak, Mt Kilimanjaro 19,341 ft. After many grueling hours, I ascended and descended Mt. Kilimanjaro utterly exhausted.

I had every excuse in the world to back out of this goal, but when God puts a dream into your DNA, it becomes true regardless of your circumstances. One thing is for certain, I wouldn’t let myself down by sitting back and not going for it. And yes, even with ten layers on top and 6 pairs of pants on, I was still freezing.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” -Oscar Wilde

I want to deeply thank all the patients, survivors, and volunteers I’ve met through our support of TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, your willpower and determination kept me going and I always kept you in my heart during this experience. Breast Cancer patients are fighting for their lives every day in Atlanta and the support that TurningPoint gives to them is invaluable!

Don’t forget to live today,
Linde Moore

If you are thinking about moving, or if someone you know may be, please call or text 404-301-3303 and introduce us to them. Not only will they get the 5-star service that we are known for, but with every introduction you give, we donate a portion of our income to TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and other worthy causes so they can continue all the good work they do in our community.