Tell us a bit about yourself and the MCRF.
I'm almost 55 years young, lucky to be with my beautiful wife Danielle, and very fortunate to have been blessed with my 3 angels, Madison, Charlotte, and Noah. My family is my world. The Madison Capaldi Research Fund (MCRF) was established in 2004 in memory of our daughter Madison who passed away from complications associated with her premature birth. We are now in our 18th year of fundraising. The MCRF is a team of so many people including family, friends, supporters and donors both past and present. Not forgetting the Kokoda team from 2018 and of course our dear friends at the Royal Hospital for Women Foundation. Our GM Elise Jennings, has always been there, by our side. We now have new members joining our team and trekking to Everest Base Camp together this October. So as you can see, the MCRF is a whole community of very diverse people who we consider family.
What made you choose Everest as the next challenge for MCRF?
The choice was made whilst taking part in the 2018 MCRF Kokoda Challenge. We have 4 trekkers backing up from Kokoda which is quite special. We chose EBC because it is yet another challenging task. Whilst the babies are cared for in the NICU, they will have to endure many challenges prior to going home. Although trekking to EBC will be a challenge for us, it does not compare to what those babies and their families in the NICU will have to go through.
How has training for this challenge been different from previous challenges (e.g. Kokoda)?
Kokoda is vastly different to what we will face in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal. Kokoda was hot and humid and very remote. We slept in tents and cooked meals over a campfire. It was a longer trek also. The 'slog' to EBC is slightly less than half the distance to Kokoda but it involves trekking at high altitude! Breathing at altitudes higher than 3500m can be quite difficult for some. We really don't know how we will be affected until we get there. In preparing for our EBC trek, long hikes/walks and high altitude training at gyms have been great preparation to date.
How would you describe the group taking on this year’s challenge?
There is no single word that can describe this team of 24. They are a very diverse group from all backgrounds. From family members, CEO's of large companies, nurses and students all having a mutual goal to complete EBC and fundraise for The MCRF. All are extremely motivated and committed to this cause. I'm so proud of the way they have created vital awareness about what the MCRF aims to achieve. The MCRF is like an old established tree that has just added more branches. It is the MCRF Family Tree!
What do you hope to achieve with the funds raised?
It's no secret that without community based fundraising, the ongoing research into illnesses and diseases affecting babies born prematurely would not be possible. The WHEAT Trial has to date, had some very encouraging outcomes. The funds raised from the 2023 MCRF EBC Challenge will continue to help fund and support this important trial. To eliminate NEC as being a threat to these unsuspecting babies, would save a lot of families a great deal of sorrow and heartache. I believe Madison lived for a few short weeks so others may be able to live a lifetime.
