Inspired by his niece who has juvenile diabetes, Andrew Krupp, of Highland Park, will climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in November to raise money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Reserach Foundation (JDRF).
"Most people don’t realize that blood sugar levels need to be checked dozens of times a day and throughout the night," said Krupp, whose niece, Katy McGregor, also of Highland Park, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes last summer.
"These kids never get a full night’s sleep or have a normal meal without calculating every single ounce of food. I am happy to do what little I can to help Katy in her fight," he said.
Krupp, owner of Chicago-based Flagmaster, a leading manufacturer and importer of flag and banner products, said he is looking forward to the challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro, even though he hasn't done a great deal of climbing.
"I have done a lot of trekking before. Last year, I hiked Nepal in the Himalayas. The year before I did the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu."
Krupp will begin his climb on Nov. 25 with plans to reach the summit on Nov. 30.
Donations to Krupp's cause can be made at http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/campaign/kiliforkaty.
For more information, visit JDRF.org. Andrew Krupp may be reached at 773-843-8308.