Man Climbs Mt. Kilimanjaro for a Cause

A local man climbs for a cause. He and his friends took on one of the world's highest mountains to raise money for a charity that's dear to their hearts.

"His life was so meaningful and it continues to be," said Anne Vachon, Timmy's mother.

Seven-year-old Timmy Vachon from Troy was a loving little boy. Although he was a young man, he had a mantra -- never, ever give up.

"He was a beautiful soul inside and out, and he's still here. He'll never, ever be forgotten," Anne Vachon said.

In 2007, the Vachon family experienced a tragedy like no other when a ski trip to Alpine Valley turned into an absolute nightmare.

Timmy was skiing when he was struck by a snow mobile and killed.

"It's the worst pain in the world. I mean, you can't really describe it. There's nothing even close to it, losing a child," said Marc Vachon, Timmy's father.

"I'll never forget that night in the hospital, the first night. We said, you know, we will talk about him and celebrate him every day and we have," said Anne Vachon.

Using Timmy's courage to carry on, they celebrate his wonderful life just as he would have wanted helping those who cannot help themselves. They started the Timmy Vachon Foundation dedicated to raising money for scholarships and dozens of children's charities.

"He still is a big part of our lives, and we'll never forget him," said Jeff Wayne.

Wayne knew and loved little Timmy. They were neighbors and friends, but it felt more like family. What he did in Timmy's honor is exactly what love thy neighbor really means.

He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for Timmy's foundation. It took seven days, 40 miles and when it got tough...

"I actually asked Timmy for a little help," Wayne said. "The higher you get, the more difficult it is, the colder it is, but, you know, you keep that vision that you're going to get to the top and you're going to be holding that banner."

He also had good friends with great hearts to help see it through.

"There's never a doubt in my mind that Jeff wasn't going to make it to the summit. That's just the kind of guy he is. He's a person who doesn't give up, doesn't quit, and he was motivated from day one," said Bob Dickie, who also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.

"We love him very much and just that he choose to challenge himself in such a way," said Anne Vachon.

Timmy's parents can't say thank you enough for this sacrifice and what it would have meant for their number one man.

"He's remembered. That he's though about. That he was important and still is," said Bob Cassidy, who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, too.

When it comes to ski hills, Timmy's family is fighting with all of their might to get Michigan laws changed, and when it comes to keeping Timmy's memory alive, they will continue to help others. They hope you do, too. Click on the links below to learn more about Timmy's foundation and the 7 Summit Challenge:

Timmy Vachon Foundation
www.timmyvachon.com

7 Summit Challenge
www.7summitchallenge.org