Cindy L. Abbott has a big dream and—she fears—limited time to make it happen. The health sciences lecturer at Cal State Fullerton wants to climb Mount Everest but has a serious progressive disease known as Wegener’s granulomatosis. Abbott first became aware of her medical problem when she lost the vision in her left eye. Now, she lives with the knowledge that her disease could put an end to her ability to do the things she loves, which include mountaineering and scuba-diving. She wants to accomplish her dream of climbing Everest before that happens. She also wants to raise awareness of Wegener’s granulomatosis and raise funds for research through the Vasculitis Foundation. To do this, she has teamed up with NORD to promote Rare Disease Day and related activities.
Cindy at camp, Mt. Baldy — Photo by Scott Woolums
Cindy at the summit, Mt. Baldy in southern California, Jan 31 2010
