As an avid hiker and backpacker, Mount Everest Base Camp was always on the bucket list for Dr. Michael Gieske.

“It was a nine-day trek, 9,000 feet climbing elevation, and that was really remarkable.”

The primary care physician admits there were many moments he thought about turning back.

But he wasn’t making this trek just for himself. He was making it for the many people he’s met who’ve struggled with lung cancer. Those who’ve made it and those who haven’t.