When we first made plans for the Dare to Dream 2008 - Annapurna Expedition, we wanted to not only inspire people around the world to follow their dreams, we also wanted to incorporate true philanthropy into the project. Our partnership with HERA accomplished that goal…and we truly feel that inspiration and health empowerment go hand in hand.

We have now also partnered with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and in doing so add another great component to the equation of creating inspiration, awareness, and philanthropy. NCAR is dedicated to enhancing public interest in and understanding of science. In particular NCAR puts a strong emphasis on the environment and how people affect environmental health.

This partnership is another great fit for the larger goals of the Dare to Dream 2008 expedition. Afterall, without a healthy planet - and better understanding of how to keep Earth healthy - it doesn't really matter if we find a cure for cancer or live our dreams. With no planet to live on, nothing else matters.

During the course of the expedition, we will be posting updates on NCAR's educational website - Windows to the Universe - which reaches over 20 million people worldwide! We will be giving text, photo and video updates that cover everything from the culture of the Nepal people, to more specific science updates regarding environment and mountain conditions.

Not only will we be spreading the word of science, environment and global health, we will have the amazing opportunity to reach so many people, and help spread the message of living your dreams, of breaking barriers and achieving great things. After all, exposure to science and health; exposure to the beauty, power, fragility and awe of nature; and exposure to learning about other cultures, people and places go hand in hand. Everything is connected. This exposure can act as an impetus to inspire people to push beyond arbitrary limits and boundaries….to reach out, see new horizons and accomplish goals they thought impossible to achieve……and that is what this expedition is all about!