This climb could not have been possible without the encouragement, support, love and caring that was extended to me from family, friends and colleagues. I have many to thank, and so little time.

Dean Peggy Hewlett in the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina has been one of my biggest supporters and has graciously allowed me to skip school while I complete my quest. The entire College of Nursing with all of it's faculty, staff, and of course our students, have been great motivators.

My hometown of Almonte, Ontario Canada surprised me with a big party in February 2007. High school friends, teachers, friends of friends, and family all joined together to give me a great sendoff! I have the support of this community behind me and I can feel their strength.

My family in Almonte, Ontario Canada have always been there for me and have lived vicariously through some of my wordly adventures throughout the years. Now, they get to experience the thrill of a lifetime as I share this once in a lifetime journey with them. Mom has promised to light lots of candles at St. Mary's Church and I am sure the prayers and warm thoughts will make my travels much easier.

My wife Carol was with me in Banos, Ecuador (1993) when I joined a group of climbers to summit Mt. Cotopaxi. It was my first summit and I was hooked "on the vista from the top ... and the journey to get there". Carol supported me then, and continues to do so today as she has been most instrumental in helping to organize and plan my pursuit of the 7 Summits of the World. She does look forward to the completion of this quest so we can camp and hike together as we did when we met! Don't worry Carol, I still have alot of good hiking days ahead of me, and I look forward to our future trips!

Major financial sponsors have been few and far between but it is important to note those that have contributed significantly to my quest:

1. The Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Campaign for Nursing's Future (www.discovernursing.com) started in 2002 with the objectives of enhancing the images of the nursing profession, recruiting new nurses and nurse educators, and retaining nurses already in the system.

2. Sandel Medical Industries (www.sandelmedical.com) stress patient safety in the perioperative setting and are true advocates of patient and nurse safety.

3. Nortel (www.nortel.com) is my exclusive communications sponsor and I am proud to be sponsored by a company that is at the forefront of a new telecommunications era.

4. The Backpacker (www.backpackerqualitygear.com) has been my exclusive local store for all of my mountaineering needs.

5. Mountain Trip (www.mountaintrip.com) and it's guides have helped me to get up 3 of the 7 Summits and have provided great skills, expertise, and friendship.

Gifts in Kind have been donated by other sponsors who have been very gracious with their products as follows:

1. Smith Optics (www.smithoptics.com) have donated sunglasses and snow goggles.

2. Coast Cutlery (www.coastcutlery.com) have donated LED headlamps and flashlights. 

3. Kiss My Face (www.kissmyface.com) has graciously supplied me with skin products to protect me in the most harshest of conditions.

4. Tunguska Blast has been a part of my training and will continue to be so up the mountain: http://askabouttheblast.com/FLOYDTEAM