October 4, 2007 – This weekend more than 80 Dallas residents, cancer survivors and musicians from across the world will embark on a journey to the heights of Mount Everest to raise money for cancer research. The group responsible, the Love Hope Strength Foundation, was founded by two-time cancer survivor Mike Peters of the band The Alarm and fellow cancer survivor James Chippendale, who is also president of CSI Entertain,ent and a longtime Dallas resident.
“It is going to be a big physical challenge, but again it is nothing that we can’t overcome.” Mr. Chippendale said. “A lot of people have overcome cancer, and to be able to do this and give back is just amazing.”
Mr. Chippendale, 39, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in 2000 and given a 50 percent chance of survival. For two years, he was isolated and confined to a hospital bed and at his home before his immune system was strong enough that he could go outside without a mask.
Mr. Chippendale has made it his mission to provide for other people the support, care, facilities and treatment that he received.
“We (the foundation) help build the infrastructure for cancer centers, which includes providing equipment, medications and information. The best thing we can do is give people accuss to medication, treatment and information. We want to take our money to the frontlines so everyone has access to basic treatments and doctors” he said.
The foundation has raised more than $700.000 since January from private and individual donors as well as hikers who participate in the adventures.
Love Hope Strength also has corporate sponsors. The group of hikers will trek more than 18,000 feet, where musicians plan to perform a rock concert to break the Guinness Book of World Records mark for Highest Gig in the World, Mr. Chippendale said.
