In the past, I’ve participated in "Community Supported Agriculture" by buying shares in an organic farm’s harvest. From that inspiration of community members supporting farmers, I have been exploring the idea of "Community Supported Adventure." I imagine community coming to the support of adventurers, enabling them to go out and explore and bring back images, stories, and lessons from mountains and seas and everything in between.

Since it is not always possible for everyone to follow his or her yearnings for exploration and adventure, these shared journeys can bring communities together across time, space, and kilometers. In return, adventurers can support community by raising awareness and funds through their adventures. When I climbed Mount Pumori in honour of my mom and in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation-Atlantic, I felt a new sense of possibility and responsibility for my climbs and adventures to “give back.” I aim to continue to support the community that supports me by dedicating my upcoming seven summit climbs to various causes.

Please accept my invitation to follow along and support my climbs of Elbrus (Europe), Kosciuszko (Australia), Vinson (Antarctica), and Everest (Asia).

During her recent climb on Mount Everest, TA updated her website daily from 21,000 feet above sea level using a personal digital assistant and satellite phone. During the year leading up to Everest, TA spread her message of “Big Dreams, Big Goals” to over 10,000 youth in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Having heard TA speak, many of these same children followed her climb via the web and sent supportive messages to her on the mountain via email and yak mail.

TA is a talented athlete. TA uses strength training, running, biking, yoga, cycling and step aerobics to prepare for her expeditions. She has a passion for hockey and has played every position on the ice including goaltender. TA has coached several championship winning hockey teams and has officiated at the national championship level. Through her experience in both sports and outdoor adventure, TA intimately appreciates teamwork and knows how to bring teams together to accomplish their goals and fulfill their greatest potential.