Strangely enough Paul and Denise Fejtek’s journey to the top of the world together all began in Mrs. Frost’s 10th grade geometry class in Glendale, California. Denise was more into the social scene and also played various sports during high school. Paul was the studious type and in the Boy Scouts where backpacking trips sparked his love for the mountains. There was another love story that would have its beginning in that geometry class, but it wasn’t until a few years later while attending USC that Paul finally found the right angle to Denise’s heart.
And then they both found themselves in the mountains together as part-time ski instructors at Bear Mountain in Big Bear. During a helicopter skiing trip in 1996 Paul proposed to Denise from the top of a mountain in the Canadian Rockies. (Click on photo to read article.) Their paths as a married couple later took them to the summit of Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the lower 48 states) and then Africa called. It was actually an e-mail from Denise’s high school friend Andra White, who was in the Peace Corps at the time and suggested a visit to her remote village in the Ivory Coast. Being good friends, Denise and Paul packed their bags for an amazing and culturally rich experience which included climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro along the way.
Standing atop the highest point on the African continent in 2002 provided an opportunity for reflection and also an excellent view causing Paul & Denise to peer further around the globe for other big mountains to climb together. Next came Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, the mighty Mt. McKinley (aka Denali) the highest in North America, followed by Carstensz Pyramid in Australasia and most recently number six of the seven summits completed was Vinson Massif in Antarctica. And now begins the culmination of this endeavor of many years, the coup de grace and crowning effort of the Seven Summits for CAF quest – Mt. Everest!
When Paul & Denise are not climbing mountains or skiing down them, they can be found swimming, biking and running in and around their neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA. They completed their first triathlon in 2001 after being inspired several years prior while volunteering at the Challenged Athletes Foundation signature event, the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Since that time, they have completed 18 triathlons of varying course lengths including Paul’s first full Ironman distance triathlon in 2009. These endurance events have proven to be excellent aerobic conditioning which allow them to be better equipped for the thin air environment of high-altitude mountaineering.
Paul & Denise are often asked where they get the energy to do all of this. What motivates them the most to get to the finish line or to the summit is helping challenged athletes get to the finish line or to their own personal summits. They attribute their inspiration for the Seven Summits for CAF to the courageous athletes who persevere in the face of obstacles so big and seemingly insurmountable, that most people with full use of both arms and both legs find them hard to even imagine.
The two never would have guessed that such an equation would lead to lives filled with love – for each other and the passions they pursue. Looking back, it seems quite appropriate that the Greek definition of Geometry is literally “Earth-Measurement”. Paul and Denise have certainly gone to great measures making their way to the farthest and highest points around the globe, hoping to make a difference ...together!
Post Script - On May 23, 2010, Paul & Denise Fejtek successfully reached the summit of Mt. Everest and completed their Seven Summits for CAF Quest.
For additional background on Paul For additional background on Denise
view his profile here: view her profile here:
The Honor Roll
A special thanks to all of our friends and family who have supported the Challenged Athletes Foundation and will be making the journey to Nepal with us symbolically. The banner on the left will be prominently displayed at our "home" in Base Camp and represents those who have donated $100 or more to CAF. The banner on the right represents those who have contributed $290 or more and whom we plan to take all the way to the summit of the earth's highest point!
The Base Camp Banner The Summit Banner
And then they both found themselves in the mountains together as part-time ski instructors at 
