Welcome to Dave's premier site for MS fund raising

Dave Rud was diagnosed with MS in 2000. In August of 2005 in honor of his 50th birthday, he climbed Long's Peak, his first 14er.

When the going got tough, he found his inspiration in his nephew Vinnie to make it to the summit. Vinnie, a bright cheerful two-year-old, has Canavan's - a rare genetic degenerative brain disease which prevents him from being able to sit up, crawl or walk, and will likely end his life at a very young age. Following the exhilaration of the climb, Dave began to think of all the people who couldn't do what he had done, who couldn't see what he had seen.

That is how "Climbing for Those Who Can't" came to be. Dave has agreed to climb all 54 Colorado 14ers in an effort to raise money for MS research. Dave plans to complete this effort in the next three years. With the help of generous sponsors, all money pledged for Dave's climbs goes directly to the MS Society.

News Articles about Dave's effort

Healing at High Altitude
MS Becomes an Excuse-To Get Outdoors
Greeley Tribune

Elevations, Mountains, and Miles gained

Forum   coming soon

email questions and comments to dmrud@hotmail.com

Vinnie's rock at the summit

Journey the mountain path with Dave by clicking on a photo link.

2006 climbs

May 27 at Grays Peak
June 3 at Torreys Peak
June 10 at Mt. Bierstadt
June 25 at Mt. Evans
July 2 at Quandary Peak
July 21 at Mt. Sherman
July 29 at Mt. Elbert
August 7 at Mt. Massive
Sept. 2 at La Plata Peak
Sept. 4 at Longs Peak

2007 climbs

June 30 at Huron Peak

Home Page

Schedule of Climbs

Make a Donation

Photo Gallery

Thank You Notes

Multiple Sclerosis Society

Canavan's