Legally blind mountaineer climbs Mount Hood

[June 03, 2008]  GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. (AP) -- A legally blind mountaineer has climbed Mount Hood, making it to the top. With the help of his guide dog, Rasha, and his best friend, Diego Joven, John Wimmer, 37, has already conquered about a half dozen mountains across the western United States.

Wimmer said he lost his eyesight at age 5, but he has never lost his spirit. His message to others: Go after your dreams.

Wimmer said Sunday that people have stereotypes about abilities and limitations, and he would like to abolish those.

On Monday the trio are heading north to tackle Mount Rainier.

Wimmer says they will also be using their trips to document the effects of pollution, raise money for UNICEF and raise awareness about climate change.

They are documenting their journey on WhatsYourImpossible.com.

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Information from: KGW-TV, http://www.kgw.com/

[Associated Press]

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