Tuesday March 19th, 2024
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This Egyptian is Climbing the Three Highest Mountains of Ecuador for a Great Cause

Fahd Abu Aisha is raising money for the trial of a new drug that could potentially save millions of victims of multiple sclerosis.

Staff Writer

With so much evil and wrongdoing in this cold, cold world we live in, it’s always a breath of fresh air to hear about the lengths some go through to try and make it a better place.

Fahd Abu Aisha is very much a believer of the motto live life to the fullest. “If there’s a mountain worth climbing, a site worth diving or a marathon worth running and I happen to be in the vicinity, I’ll just go for it,” the 29 year old Egyptian, who resides in Dubai, told CairoScene.

On the 23rd of November, Fahd will be in Ecuador, attempting what is known as the 'triple crown climb', which consists of climbing the three highest mountains of Ecuador, the Cayambe at 5,790 metres, the Cotopaxi at 5,897 metres, and the monumental Chimborazo at 6,268 metres, all to raise money for the trial of a new drug which could make headway in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis. 

Multiple sclerosis is a long-lasting disease that can effect the brain, spinal cord and the optic nerves in your eyes, causing problems with vision, balance, muscle control and other basic body functions. It’s the most common condition of the central nervous system, affecting 2.5 million people worldwide.

Fahd became involved in raising awareness for multiple sclerosis through the company he works at in Dubai, the Berkeley Group, who have very strong initiatives and partnerships with charities that support young adults. Multiple Sclerosis stood out to him because it’s the most common condition of the nervous system affecting youth, and it is very underrepresented. “There is no exact cause of what triggers MS and there is no cure; only treatments with very unpleasant and – sometimes – life-threatening side effects,” he said.

What makes this all the more impressive is the fact that Fahd is not a professional climber. “I mainly do it as a hobby. I have summited a few mountains over the years, but I’m not a mountain climber per se. I love travelling and experiencing new things. I really believe in the saying that ‘fortune favors the bold’. If you get out of your comfort zone and push yourself to do something that may seem beyond your limits, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at what your mind and body are capable of. You’ll also begin to see new doors open up for you seemingly out of nowhere. They don’t call them life changing experiences for nothing,” said the positive-minded Egyptian.

Naturally, Fahd is feeling quite nervous about the daunting experience – never has he climbed a mountain as tall as the lowest of the three he will attempt in Ecuador. “I’m a little nervous as you naturally would be on these sorts of expeditions. Attempting all of them over ten days is a big mental hurdle to prepare for. My main concern is the altitude sickness, which I have suffered from on previous climbs and it is not a pleasant feeling,” he said.

Fahd’s very first adventure was in 2014, and just which mountain he chose to climb will show you the type of person he is. Fahd’s first thoughts went straight to the colossal 5,800 meters of Mount Kilimanjaro, which as you probably know is the highest peak in this vast and diverse continent. “In the months leading up to the trip, conflict broke out in Gaza as Israeli forces bombarded the city. Appalled by the high number of casualties, I felt I needed to do something to help, so I decided to dedicate my cause to the Medical Aid for Palestinians charity. It was an emotionally overwhelming feeling standing on top of Africa, and knowing that with the support of my family and friends, we were able to raise money to provide medical aid to Palestinians in need,” said Fahd.

If your heart is feeling as big as Fahd’s (or even half as big), go here to donate money to the Multiple Trials Collaboration (MSTC) Charity.

Main image from Fahd Abu Aisha