Body
WHEREAS, since 1986, starting with a journey to explore Patagonia in South America, specially accepted by program benefactor HRH Prince Charles, Will Cross has endeavored to explore the most remote and untouched ends of the earth, in spite of his living with type 1 diabetes since age nine; and,
WHEREAS, he is the first person with type 1 diabetes to reach both the north and south poles on foot; and during these trips, scientists used his experience as a model to understand diabetes management during extreme physical conditions; and,
WHEREAS, after two previous attempts to scale Mt. Everest, both of which stopped just short of the summit and the second of which led two sherpas to tragically lose their lives, Will Cross finally reached the peak on May 23, 2006, and became the first person from the United States, and the second person worldwide, with type 1 diabetes to do so; and,
WHEREAS, Will Cross has also climbed the highest peaks of every continent, and is now aspiring to climb six of the highest peaks in the Himalayas as part of the Great Mountain Challenge; and,
WHEREAS, through his adventures, he has proven that beyond the medical considerations for these excursions, his survival depends on confidence and determination; and,
WHEREAS, before tackling these worldwide journeys, he was an educator working with troubled teens; and he currently resides in the Highland Park neighborhood with his wife, Amy, and their six children.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize Will Cross for his contribution to furthering the science of managing diabetes; proving its manageability; and inspiring many others to envision diabetes not as an obstacle, but as a lifelong drive to overcome new challenges every day; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh proclaims that Tuesday, February 26, 2008, the eve of his expedition to Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain on earth, ...
Click here for full text