Our Story
Andy Harvard lived a life defined by curiosity, challenge and courage.
Whether climbing in the highest mountains in the world, inspiring the next generation of adventurers or finding a way to chart his own journey with Younger Onset Alzheimer’s disease, Andy believed that, together, we can tackle the most daunting challenges we encounter and, together, we will prevail.
For too long, Alzheimer’s disease has been little understood and has forced families to suffer alone, as they see old friends no longer knowing what to say and choosing to stay away, as they navigate a healthcare system with precious little to offer after the initial diagnosis and as they find employers unprepared for the challenges of a team member with this disease.
Andy’s story teaches us that this does not need to be the case. Throughout his life, his mantra was Nothing is Impossible.
Faced with a daunting challenge, he would ask “How can we overcome it,” rather than “Why me?”
The Final Climb is Andy’s story; a story of resilience and the power of the human spirit in facing a devastating disease that affects millions. But, it is also a story about us, a story about optimism and hope as we come together to respond to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease in our families and our communities and as we embrace the work it will take, each playing his or her part, to move us ever closer to the day when Alzheimer’s is defeated.
View our photo reel for an inside look at Andy's adventures and the film's production.
And consider making a tax-free donation to help us finish this film and get it seen by as wide an audience as possible.