Press Announcement: Last 100 Miles

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release     Contact:                         Rachel Perez                                       rperez@amazon5000.com

65-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Faces Last 100 Miles of 5000 Mile Journey Along the Mighty Amazon Attention reporters: Mickey Grosman will be available for interviews upon his return at Miami International Airport. Date to be determined. High-resolution images from the expedition are also available.    ORLANDO, Florida- Amazon 5000, www.facebook.com/amazon5000, announced today that 65-year-old, cancer survivor, Mickey Grosman will complete his 5000 mile trek across the widest part of South America in the next week or two. For the final stretch of the Amazon 5000 Expedition, Mickey will be joined by two Americans: team physician, Kyle VerSteeg and expedition member Alexander Hernandez, both of which have trekked with Mickey short legs of the expedition, months ago. The team has arrived just in time for a very special occasion. Mickey will be spending his birthday on this incredible crossing, celebrating 65- years- young on April 4th. With 100 miles to go, thousands of his followers from around the globe have watched Mickey overcome obstacle after obstacle on this epic journey and anxiously await his return. A journey he started with a passion to help raise awareness and funding for cancer research that has turned into so much more with new discoveries never imagined. Mickey began his extreme expedition on the Pacific shores of Pedernales, Ecuador in May of last year. Overcoming extreme terrain, from desolate desert to the harsh conditions on the Eastern Andes and through the unknown and dangerous Amazon rain forest, this has been no "walk in the park" for Grosman. In August, 2012 Mickey and his crew were kidnapped by an indigenous tribe, the crew faced hurtles again when they were detained in Peru and again in Brazil, but the biggest obstacle of all was when the expedition leader became infected with the deadly hemorrhagic string of dengue fever in November. Rushed to the hospital multiple times it was not always certain Mickey would complete his Impossible, Possible journey. Along with the many challenges and obstacles Mickey faced, he also surpassed many milestones on his mission. He honored cancer warriors whose names were sent in from his fans around the globe with a dedication scroll he buried deep in the Amazon forest in a location where no human before him dared to cross. He also gave many inspirational talks along his journey to children fighting cancer in South America. Above all Mickey has made some ground breaking discoveries on his journey. Documenting wildlife in locations people have never traveled before and even meeting a lost tribe of Hebrew speaking indigenous in the heart of the Amazon jungle. Mickey is scheduled to return to his home in Orlando, FL in mid to late April 2013.   Journalists and fans can track Mickey on The Impossible, Possible Journey by following us on facebook:http://www.facebook.com/Amazon5000. About Amazon 5000:  Amazon 5000- For the Cure was founded to inspire those who are battling cancer, promote awareness to the fight against cancer and to provide endorsement  to research foundations and local organizations supporting Cancer patients through their journey. For more information visit:www.amazon5000.com. # # #

The Impossible, Possible Journey!

Word From the Amazon

Hello Everyone -

I know there is a lot of curiosity as to where the Amazon 5000 expedition is - and how things are going. First off - the expedition crew is doing well and making progress towards their destination. We have had to stop sending updates as to their location because of the many pirates that have been targeting their location. Each time we have sent messages that can help pinpoint their location - they have been found and robbed. They have lost most of their equipment - and also most of the one thing they need most right now - batteries.

Luckily they have run into some friendly tourists that have helped them out with various supplies including batteries. The team has had to stick with travel mostly through the jungle and avoiding roads simply to ensure their own safety and not become a target. It is not easy getting news out of the jungle as communication is limited and the group is traveling through "unconventional" routes to avoid being raided. We'll try to let everyone know how it is going.

Today I made 4000 Impossible miles into Possible!

January 5, 2013

Today I made 4000 Impossible miles into Possible! Throughout eight months of harsh environment and brutal terrain across the treacherous Andes Mountains and along the mighty Amazon River, I pushed myself to new limits every day. When my body crushed under the tropical disease, Dengue fever, I didn't stop and now have pushed myself OVER the limit... One more final push to go and I must take a pause.

I must pause to heal my body, gain energy, and bring myself to stand strong back on my feet to enable the accomplishment of my goals. 

At no moment along these tough months did I second guess my decision to go on this path. With every Amazonian mile I crossed and with each obstacle in my way, I became stronger. Each mile that I have passed charged my soul and boosted my energy. But my body, although young of 64 years, could not sustain a little mosquito of the tropics...

Unable to intake food due to the Dengue fever I lost 40 pounds in a short time. Weakness from the disease slows me down and threatens to impair my judgement. The final expedition stretch along the Amazon region in Brazil is infested with drug trafficking and automatic weaponry pointed at us at each curve of the mighty River. This holds a great danger to me and my team; not from nature, nor the elements, ONLY mankind! Such hostile environment requires my full vigilance! My responsibility as the expedition leader is greater than ever. Therefore, I must pause and seek proper medical evaluation and treatment before heading back on the trail. 

"We are not retreating - we are advancing in another direction!"

...and I will continue!!!

Mickey Grosman

Amazon 5000 expedition leader