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Dentist to scale peak in Africa
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Forsyth County News
How to  help

To make a donation in honor of Seth Gibree’s charity climb at Mount Kilimanjaro, go online at:

• CURE: www.firstgiving.com/sethgibree

• FAAN: www.firstgiving.com/sgibree
Seth Gibree soon will rise in elevation while raising money for children’s charities.

The Forsyth County resident and dentist plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro this summer.

Though he’s never climbed a major peak before, Gibree said he’s looking forward to the trek, viewing it as an “adventure.”

The 35-year-old said he’s in the best shape of his life, thanks to an interest in triathlons.

“Physically, I feel good, but it’s hard to really train here for altitude,” he said. “I think the hardest day is going to be the summit day.”

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa, reaches more than 19,000 feet above sea level.

People who attempt to reach a mountain’s summit often experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness due to the high altitudes, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Above 14,000 feet, most will experience at least mild symptoms, including dizziness, headache, shortness of breath or even decreased consciousness.

From rainforest to arctic, Gibree will traverse several climates in six days, ascending about 15,100 feet to the Kilimanjaro summit.

About 25,000 people attempt to reach the top of the mountain each year, according to Ultimate Kilimanjaro, a U.S. climbing company.

Gibree found out about the trip from one of his patients, who has a son that guides mountain expeditions.

He decided to raise money for nonprofit organizations through his climb, modeling it after a friend who raised money during a half ironman triathlon.

“It’s a life achievement for me, but also a good thing in that so far we’ve raised over $7,000 for both charities,” he said.

Gibree chose the Food Allergy and Anaphalaxis Network since his two sons, ages 3 and 6, have food allergies.

He’ll also be supporting CURE Childhood Cancer, a charity for children’s cancer research and financial assistance, which he learned about after running a half marathon around Thanksgiving.

At the start line, Gibree was next to a man who serves on the nonprofit’s board of directors. They ran the full 15 miles together, and Gibree came away with another charity for children that he wanted to help.

“These kids haven’t done anything,” he said. “They haven’t really even had a chance at life yet.”

Donning an iPod and three cameras, along with several pounds of essential gear, Gibree will take on Kilimanjaro with his mission in mind.

He plans to return with plenty of stories and funds raised for children in need.