Birmingham man to climb Kilimanjaro for Kirk Gibson Foundation
Birmingham resident Steve Annear is going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise funds for the Kirk Gibson Parkinson’s Center in Farmington Hills.
In a bold display of determination and purpose, Steve Annear, CEO of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with only one leg.
The 47-mile ascent will start on Aug. 25, and Annear is scheduled to reach the mountain summit on Sept. 4.
The goal for the “Kilimanjaro Challenge” is to raise funds and awareness for the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, opening this fall in Farmington Hills.
Born with a blood circulation disorder that led to the amputation of his left leg at age 11, Annear, who does not use a prosthetic leg, has never let physical limits define him.
In 2022, he successfully completed the Detroit Free Press Marathon on crutches, raising over $100,000 for the Parkinson’s community.
Grueling challenge ahead
Now, he’s preparing for his most grueling challenge yet, scaling Africa’s highest peak with his wife, Shawna, by his side.
“This climb is personal,” said Annear. “It’s about honoring people who are living with Parkinson’s disease. When the Kirk Gibson Center opens this fall, it will be a place where they can find their own strength.
“Everything’s possible when you push through the pain, the limits, and the doubt. This is the lesson Gibby’s taught us in his career and his battle with this awful disease.”
Annear’s climb is symbolic of the journey that people with Parkinson’s face every day.
Story of resilience
His personal story of resilience has become a rallying point for the team responsible for opening the facility, including dozens of volunteers and donors.
Since being named the foundation’s CEO in 2022, he has led the strategy behind every detail, including the center’s mission, the design and development of the 30,000-square-foot facility itself, and programming tailored exclusively for members and their care partners.
The Kilimanjaro Challenge is an opportunity for the community to celebrate the opening of the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness.
The Lasch Family Foundation Fund has generously pledged to match donations up to $250,000 before Annear reaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro on September 4th.
Honored to support ‘Gibby’
“My wife, Suzanne, and I are honored to continue to support the Kirk Gibson Center and the difference it will make for thousands of families,” said Rick Lasch.
“We’re especially proud to stand with Steve, who always makes time to help others. He’s been preparing for this climb for over a year. We commend him for leading by example and showing us that great things happen no matter the odds.”
“Since the day I met Steve, I’ve seen him motivate and challenge himself and the people around him,” said Kirk Gibson. “We’re lucky he’s leading our team in the fight against Parkinson’s.
“I also want to thank the Lasch family for continuing to support the foundation and for coming on board so friends and fans across the country can join us in cheering on Steve and Shawna.”
Doubling donations
Donations to the Kirk Gibson Foundation will be doubled between now and Sept. 4, when Annear reaches the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Companies and organizations can join current sponsors like Mitch Lyons Wealth, Lineage Foundation for Good, and Planet Fitness.
Every dollar will help the foundation unlock the full $250,000 in matching funds from the Lasch Family Foundation Fund. All proceeds will benefit the Center, which is set to open this fall.
The Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness, located at 31440 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills, will be the first of its kind in Michigan.
