Anthony, Seth, Matthew, Aaron, and Daniel: Climbing out of the darkness
The views and opinions expressed in following story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Mental Health Colorado.
Over the course of their 10-week voyage through Colorado’s wilderness, these climbers scaled all 54 of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks.
It began with a simple vision.
Anthony Reinert, an avid climber who had been attending Fort Lewis College in Durango, was looking for a way to bridge his passion for the outdoors with his desire to advocate for the cause of mental health. After talking with friends and family about assembling a hiking team united behind that purpose, he found four young mountaineers who were intrigued by the idea: Seth Pooler, Matthew Cranston, Aaron McDowell, and Daniel Frauenhoff.
And the 2015 Climb Out of the Darkness Expedition was born.
Over the course of their 10-week voyage through Colorado’s wilderness, these climbers scaled all 54 of the state’s 14,000-foot peaks. Their overarching mission: to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness in Colorado, and let others facing a mental health condition know that they are not alone. Their efforts have been recognized by 9NEWS, The Denver Post, The Colorado Springs Gazette, Governor John Hickenlooper, and many others – including Mental Health Colorado, who recognized these climbers as the main honorees at our 2015 Tribute gala. Watch our video detailing their expedition.
———————————————————–
DONATE TO MENTAL HEALTH COLORADO
More than 500,000 Coloradans lack the mental health care they need. You can change that. For more than 60 years, Mental Health Colorado has led the charge in promoting mental health, ending stigma, and ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use services. It’s life-changing work. Your contribution makes it possible.
