Kanyekanye Climbers

We will be climbing in Utah, West Virginia, North Carolina, Wyoming, and California.

Support our team here: www.firstgiving.com/kanyekanyeclimbers.

Our team is called Kanyekanye Climbers. We selected the name Kanyekanye because it means 'all together' in Zulu, and that's how we are working to help kids with AIDS - as a united team of people. We are very fortunate to have an amazing array of climbers with an amazing array of personal interests, pursuits, careers, and personalities. But the thing that unites us all is our belief in our power both as individuals and as a team to make a difference in the world in which we live. We're all grateful for our ability to climb and to have the opportunity to use something we love to help others.

Read our story in the Charlotte Observer!

 

 

Team Leader:

Ladianne Mandel (Support me HERE)

For me, climbing has become an interconnected set of universal truths to which I often journey for respite, challenge, judgment, and joy. It makes perfect sense to use these essences in pursuit of a far more important goal: Helping others survive. Thank you to the folks at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS for putting together the Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up campaign!

 

 

Team members:

Greg Ainslie (Support me HERE)

 

 

Erika Bowen (Support me HERE)

My first time climbing was when I was at Girl Scout Camp, at Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah. I've loved being on the rock ever since, although I didn't get really interested in the sport until about three years ago. Since then, I've climbed two or three times a week for fun and exercise. I love climbing for the grace, strength, and agility it builds. I also love the climbing community; they're awesome supporters of causes like the waste-free initiative at the New River Rendezvous this year, as well at the "Climb Up so Kids Can Grow Up." Rock on for the kids!

 

 

Nick Colquitt (Support me HERE)

 

 

Nile Cookson (Support me HERE)

 

 

Doug Cosby

 

 

Donovan Craig (Support me HERE)

 

 

Jada Day (Support me HERE)

I am, and I am not. About me move the hills and through me, the wind. Gathering myself in the folds of yesterday, I find myself to be more than I would have been without this walk through the vertical.

 

 

Jade Jackson (Support me HERE)

 

Fauna Gibson

 

 

Cory Marshman

 

 

Katie Mattson (Support me HERE)

I've been climbing for about 5 years now. I love anything related to the outdoors – hiking, kayaking, biking and especially rock climbing. They each push me physically. The views from the top always stretch me mentally, while bringing a calm sense of belonging. I work as a motivational coach in my own business, Momentum Coaching, to help individuals and groups find their authenticity and push through fear.

 

 

Brad Nathanson (Support me HERE)

 

 

Leo Popovic

 

 

Jordan Shipman (Support me HERE)

 

 

Patrick Weaver

I have been climbing for nearly 20 years and have a Master's Degree in risk management. Having the opportunity to put my experience and passion to work helping others is a dream come true.

 

 

Thomas Whichard (Support me HERE)

 

 

Dave Wunner (Support me HERE)