Climbing with a Cause
Ian Altman’s love for the outdoors is paramount to any obstacle that he may encounter – even a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).
Ian realized his passion for rock and ice climbing over 20 years ago, when he was only 13 years old. After experiencing numbness in his legs and fingers, Ian was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) in 1997. As a young active male who enjoyed activities such as rock and ice climbing, skiing and mountain biking and who was seeking a career in outdoor education, Ian became confused and frustrated by the uncertainty his future with MS held. Yet, more than anything, his diagnosis created a sense of urgency to achieve his dreams before his body was physically unable.
Ian forged ahead and began planning expeditions and training for climbs. In 2000, Ian also began taking COPAXONE® (glatiramer acetate injection) and, although individual results may vary, he quickly began to notice an improvement in both the coordination and strength of his legs. He found himself climbing again – climbing to a level that was beyond his previous experience, with or without MS.
Ian is currently the director of Colorado Timberline Academy’s art department and the head of the school’s accomplished climbing program. When he is not busy sharing his climbing wisdom, Ian keeps himself connected with the outdoors by participating in summit climbs all over the world. To date, Ian has successfully reached the summits of Poincenot in Southern Patagonia, Argentina, Aguja de La S in Patagonia, Argentina, a ‘first ascent’ on the North Crescent Spire in British Columbia, the South Houser Spire in British Columbia, Aguja Innominata in Patagonia, Argentina and the Lotus Flower Tower in the North West Territories of Canada.
Ian hopes to inspire others to continue pursuing their individual dreams despite a diagnosis of MS. “Choosing and sticking with a therapy is one of the ‘giant steps’ in managing MS. I now know, that with the help of my therapy, healthy diet and exercise, MS doesn’t have to interfere with my dreams,” says Ian.
Team COPAXONE®
Ian is sponsored in part by Teva Neuroscience as a member of Team COPAXONE®. Ian is just one example of someone who is living with RRMS and pursuing his dreams. Team COPAXONE® celebrates the accomplishments of people, such as Ian, who do not let MS get in the way of their dreams. Members are working to change common perceptions of people living with MS.
Advances in Medicine
Continuing research has led to treatments that can modify the immune processes thought to be responsible for RRMS. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved drugs for RRMS, such as COPAXONE®.
Call 1-800-887-8100 for more information about COPAXONE®, Team COPAXONE®, or multiple sclerosis.
087005408/080483