Where there is a will, there is a way. We are all familiar with the age-old proverb. While most of us treat it like mere reading material in our texts, few out there are actually believing it! Today’s story of an Ontario man, with a heart transplant, trying to scale incredible heights, will surely both inspire and shock you. Dale Shippam resides in Thunder Bay, Ontario. He was just forty-three years old when he had the shock of his life. Shippam was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. This meant that a heart transplant was required. In 1995, the now 71-year-old was admitted to the Toronto General Hospital. 

Recalling his darkest days, Shippam stated that he was fearful all the time. He was unsure whether he would be able to wake up the following morning. As days passed, things took a turn for the worse. Shippam went into cardiac arrest and doctors had to perform chest compressions to keep him alive. Finally, in 1999, Shippam had a successful heart transplant, which changed the way he perceived life. 

Dale Shippam eyes 6310m hiking glory

After getting a new lease of life, Shippam struck up a close relationship with his doctor. They went on several hikes together, and now, they are eyeing one of the hardest climbs of their life. Dr. Heather Ross and Dale Shippam have decided to scale the summit of Mount Chimborazo. An interesting bit of information about the location is that, owing to its position, the summit is the closest point to the Sun on Earth. 

However, the task would not at all be an easy one. The duo would have to be very careful in planning their ascent. They will be traveling mostly during the nights. This is because the extreme temperatures will cause the snow to melt and soften, contributing to the chances of an avalanche. Even after knowing the perils of their plan, Shippam sounds confident. He says that the formula for success lies in having a supportive and skilled team, updated equipment, and proper training. 

Previous successes of the pair

This is not the first time Shippam and Ross have undertaken such daring endeavors. The duo travelled to Antarctica in 2006, which marked the beginning of their journey. One of the most memorable experiences they had was when the duo took a bike to the base camp of Mount Everest. They trekked Bhutan’s Snowman trail, which is one of the most challenging terrains in the world.

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71-year-old Shippam stated that he undertakes such challenges as part of charity. The money raised is used to provide a better infrastructure for cardiovascular treatments. Together, they have raised 4 million dollars and are active members of the Test Your Limits organization. Shippam and Ross have so far completed 10 trips together and are eagerly looking forward to getting his name in the record books. 

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