Rick Safe and on His Way Home

Scaling new heights

Kids Alive supporter Rick Poole, who successfully scaled Mt. Everest’s 29,035 feet high summit last week, has safely returned to Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, and is now getting ready to fly back to his home in the Chicago area. Rick climbed Everest to raise awareness and support for children in crisis.

Rick with his climbing companions.

“We congratulate Rick on his success in scaling the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest,” said Matt Parker, President of Kids Alive International. He added, “We admire Rick for his tenacity and dedication in scaling Mt. Everest, the very same qualities that he brings to support children in crisis through Kids Alive.”

In a recorded message sent from the Yak and Yeti Hotel in Kathmandu, Rick said that he flew on three helicopters to get to Nepal’s capital from Everest. In his usual understated way, Rick added, “So, I lost 23 pounds – that is the official number, which is a lot of pounds…”

Celebrating over dinner after losing 23 pounds in 50 days!

Rick left for Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, over 50 days ago in mid-March, making his way to Lukla and then on to the four camps before summiting Everest on May 23, 11:15 am, Nepal time.

Thanks so much to those of you who followed Rick’s climb and who offered prayers for his and his team’s safety and success. And we are particularly thankful to those of you who sponsored Rick’s climb to support children through the ministry of Kids Alive.