Heart Transplant Recipient Dale Shippam Nearly Reaches Highest Antarctica Peak

Once upon a time, I was an armchair mountain climber. Dale Shippam, however, is a real mountain climber even after receiving a heart transplant eight years ago. On Monday night, he and his team were within 200 metres of the summit of Mount Vinson Massif but they had to turn back because his fellow climbers, one of whom is his cardiologist, had dangerously low oxygen saturation levels.

Dr. Heather Ross wrote on Life Live - Test your Limits - Climb a Mountain - Antarctica ‘06:

But mostly I want to thank Dale for being the best ambassador a woman could ask for to raise awareness for organ donation and transplantation. As we stood so close to the top that Dale, who was feeling strong, could easily have made it, never suggested that he go on without the team he said he was so happy with what had already been accomplished - he is truly a team player. I enjoyed becoming close friends with Dale and seeing the look in his eyes as he helped in my rescue last night. He and all my many other
patients, who they are and what they do, are what I love about my job.

The team’s mission was to raise awareness about organ donation. I’d say they’ve done a great job! Gave me chills just to read about their adventure.

Toronto Star, December 20, 2006

Tags: dale shippam, heather ross, mt vinson massif, antarctica, heart, heart transplants, organ donation, heart disease, diseases, illness, health