Lee's Light - Climbing Kilimanjaro for Jordan’s Addison’s Disease Awareness
Christopher Armstrong is raising money for Jordan’s Addison’s Disease Awareness
In memory of Lee Armstrong
Story
Hi,
On the 2nd of February this year, Lee Armstrong suddenly passed away from complications due to a rare condition called Addison's Disease.
At 24, he was a father, fiancé and son to an adoring family. He was my little brother.
In January i'll be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Donate here to help us raise awareness of Addison's Disease. All money raised will go to Jordan's Addison's Disease awareness - none of it will go towards the climb.
Best,
Chris
Why Kilimanjaro?
Precisely because it's a huge challenge!
The highest peak in Africa, Kili is a dormant stratovolcano composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Shira, Kibo, and Mawenzi. Standing at a towering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), it is the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, meaning it rises directly from a plain without being part of a mountain range. Kilimanjaro's summit is covered in perpetual snow and ice, despite its location near the equator.
Lee and I were blessed with parents who put us in the Scouts and brought us up hiking in the English Lake District, which Lee in particular adored… Climbing 5895 Tanzanian meters feels like a fitting but also ambitious way to honour his memory.
What is Addison's Disease?
Addison’s is a rare endocrine condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough steroid hormones and can be life-threatening. It affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, meaning an estimated 300 - 350 new cases are diagnosed each year across the UK, this makes it roughly 300 times rarer than diabetes.
Life-long treatment with replacement steroid hormones is required. Medication is usually taken several times daily at carefully timed intervals and individuals must also know how to administer an emergency hydrocortisone injection to prevent a potentially fatal adrenal crisis.
Why is awareness important and what should I know about Addison's Disease?
Practically speaking, people with AD are still able to live a ‘normal’ life; however, they need to take regular take oral steroids. Whilst being conscious of the fact that if anything triggers a stress response such as trauma or illness, there is an additional risk of ‘Addisonian Crisis’, due to the adrenal glands' inability to produce cortisol in response to physiological trauma. The silver bullet in the event of a crisis is to administer a Hydrocortisone injection, supplementing the body with synthetic cortisol to ensure a correct response to trauma.
In the NHS’ own words (website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/addisons-disease/):
If an adrenal crisis is not treated, it can lead to a coma and death. There's also a risk your brain will not get enough oxygen if treatment is delayed, which can cause permanent disability.’
If you or someone you know has Addison's disease and is experiencing severe symptoms, they will need a hydrocortisone injection immediately, either injected by themselves or by a person who is with them.
Then call 999 for an ambulance, saying it's an "adrenal crisis" or "Addisonian crisis".
Understanding the risks associated with AD and how to help yourself or someone who is suffering from an adrenal crisis is vital to saving lives.
About Lee
Lee was a 6ft 7 giant. He was unwaveringly kind in the midst of a challenging life and career; juggling full-time work as a carer for people with learning difficulties and traumatic brain injuries whilst caring at home for his baby boy, Louis, and his fiancée.
He was a giver. Having proudly moved into his first family home only a few months before his passing; he gave his partner independence, his son his first childhood bedroom and his family immense pride.
He was not a complainer. Having several serious health conditions, including T-1 Diabetes, Addison’s disease and Thyroid complications from a young age. He was no stranger to adversity. He worked incredibly hard whilst navigating his health problems to support his family.
He was the most confident and outgoing of 3 brothers. He loved golf, music and singing. Always taking the opportunity to share his incredible voice with friends on karaoke nights. He couldn't walk through Carlisle without bumping into somebody that he knew.
He was a proud organ donor. 4 people received organ donations from him including a 6-year-old girl: https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/24385903.mum-shares-story-man-saved-daughters-life/
About Jordan's Addison's Disease Awareness (JADA)
Founded in 2023, JADA was established in honour of Jordan Crombie, who tragically passed away at only 28 years old, from complications related to Addison's Disease in July 2022. Jordan's family and friends were deeply affected by his loss and decided to dedicate their efforts to raising awareness about this rare disease, providing support to individuals diagnosed with Addison's Disease, and offering assistance to their families. Their ultimate goal is to prevent other families from experiencing the suffering they endured.
Your donations will support JADA in continuing to raise awareness and secure funding for research, ultimately improving the lives of Addison's Disease sufferers in the future.