Two Powerful Helpers Behind My Climb of Mount Kilimanjaro (2)
Along with my son Kohei Sasakawa, Dr. Tomoya Ikeda, a surgeon and experienced mountaineer, was of immense help when I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to display a “Don’t Forget Leprosy” banner atop Africa’s highest peak on February 12, 2024.
As well as being a doctor and mountaineer, Dr. Ikeda is also active as a professional boxer at the age of 42.
He is always smiling and gentle, and I have nothing but respect for the fighting spirit he had. Only once during our ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro did he talk to me with a serious expression.
We were having dinner before setting out on the final leg of the climb, conversing in a friendly manner, when he said to us: “I am a surgeon. But I can’t do anything to help you during the final leg of the ascent. Please climb carefully, step by step.” Everyone was stunned into silence.
Observing our easy-going conversation, Dr. Ikeda had obviously noticed the lack of seriousness in the atmosphere. It was a warning that came from his years of mountaineering experience, when he had faced many life-threatening dangers.
After his remarks, the atmosphere became like a wake, with everyone bowing their heads and seemingly renewing their resolve to attack the mountain.
At 11.25 p.m., we left Kibo Hut (altitude: 4,720 meters) and began the final ascent.
In the pitch darkness, relying only on my headlamp, I watched the feet of the porter in the lead, making sure I kept my footing with a short stride of 30 to 40 centimeters, moving at a snail’s pace.
As usual, the first 20 to 30 minutes were rather painful as my muscles had yet to relax, but after that, things went relatively smoothly.
However, when taking a short break while resting my weight on my hiking sticks, I felt drowsy.
It was then that Dr. Ikeda and my son Kohei gave me an unexpectedly stern warning: “Looking at you from behind, you appear unsteady and at risk of falling over. If your condition worsens, we would have to consider calling off the expedition.”
I had no idea I was being so closely scrutinized from behind. Fortunately, everything went relatively smoothly after that.
About six hours after we left Kibo Hut, we successfully reached Gilman’s Point (5,685 meters), one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s three summits, at 5:33 a.m. It was there that I unfurled the “Don’t Forget Leprosy” banner, sending out the message that now is the time to actively pursue the goal of zero leprosy.
Taking off the two pairs of gloves we were each wearing, Dr. Ikeda and I exchanged a firm handshake.
Although I wanted to say something, I became so emotional that I couldn’t find any word to express myself. The only thing that came out of my mouth was “Thank you, doctor.”
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Ikeda for the appropriate advice he gave to this party of amateurs, which made it possible for all its members to successfully complete the climb. Thank you! Thank you!!
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