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A Survivors Story

I DON’T ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THIS

SEAN SWARNERLYMPHOMA SURVIVOR

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Sean Swarner

TREKSTREKS

We are well aware that finding out that you have cancer is one of the most upsetting and distressing things to hear for both you and the people closest to you. We are here to give you hope and

inspiration to get you through this difficult time.

WHAT WE DO

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A Survivors StoryAt the age of thirteen Sean was given news that nobody is prepared to hear, especially at his age. He was diagnosed Hodgkin’s disease, and given three months to live. He beat the odds and recovered to then he faced another set back at the age of 16 when a tumor was found on his lung and was given only two weeks to live. He never gave up and didn’t stop fighting, even through the hardest times, the painful treatments and the loss of his hair, he was positive, he won.

At the age of 22 he decided it was time for another challenge, but one that he had a say in. He wanted to climb Mount Everest, with limited use of his lungs. He did it and he was the first cancer survivor to do so. After completing this he caught the climbing bug and climbed to the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America.

Sean proved his theory when he crested the peak of the highest point in the world (Mount Everest) with only partial use of his lungs. As the first cancer survivor to do so, Sean decided to continue climbing and has since topped the highest peaks in Africa, Europe, South America, Australia, Antarctica, and North America.

Take some time to read Sean’s story - he really is a hero.

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I T ’S ABOUTSCREAMING HOPE AT 29,000 FEET

Walking across one of the many ladders in the Khumbu.

Celebrating reaching a milestone in the climb

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Sean Swarner

&NEVER QUIT NEVER GIVE UP

Setting up camp on everest in the snow.

Cancer Climber Assosiction flag ready to be placed on the top of everest.

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A Survivors Story

In May 2002 Sean took on his first climbing challenge. He took on Everest, a challenge that probably doesn’t come close to the ones he had previously undertaken in his life but this one was new to him. From the start he was determined and giving up was never an option, he pushed himself beyond belief and it paid off. With numerous heath problems it wasn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination but he overcame everything that was thrown at him and he became the first cancer survivor to reach Everest’s peak.

In regards to researching my thesis I will use both primary and secondary resources. My primary research will be a survey in which I aim to get a minimum of 30 responses. The main target audience for this will be the creative type, but I have no preference of age range. In order to get a varied set of results I will have to ask some people who aren’t creative. This way I will be able to compare creative people with uncreative. An example of what I am going to ask is; On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low) How creative would you say you are?’ And ‘If you currently study a creative subject, have you ever been made to feel inadequate about your course by other students studying an ‘intellectual’ course?’ I would also like to contact the university counsellor and hopefully organise a meeting to ask them a few questions in order to get some more information, in particular some figures showing how many students studying a creative course have contacted them with issues that could support my research.

In terms of secondary research I will use the research that I have already found, and continue to find more in order to be able to come to strong conclusions. Searching for journals, news articles, videos and books throughout the writing process of my

dissertation will help keep my research up-to-date. The Creative Brain takes a more in depth look at the nature of intelligence and creativity. There are a lot of statistics used in this book, mainly about different types of creativity and the link between being creative and mentally ill. Andreasen takes a very open look at the subject and doesn’t take sides. He shows both sides of the argument and gives valuable evidence.

‘The Creative Brain’ takes a more in depth look at the nature of intelligence and creativity. There are a lot of statistics used in this book, mainly about different types of creativity and the link between being creative and mentally ill. Andreasen takes a very open look at the subject and doesn’t take sides. He shows both sides of the argument and gives valuable evidence.

In regards to researching my thesis I will use both primary and secondary resources. My primary research will be a survey in which I aim to get a minimum of 30 responses. The main target audience for this will be the creative type, but I have no preference of age range. In order to get a varied set of results I will have to ask some people who aren’t creative. This way I will be able to compare creative people with uncreative. An example of what I am going to ask is; On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low) How creative would you say you are?’ And ‘If you currently study a creative subject, have you ever been made to feel inadequate about your course by other students studying an ‘intellectual’ course?’ I would also like to contact the university counsellor and hopefully organise a meeting to ask them a few questions in order to get some more information, in particular some figures.

E V E R E S T09D16H18M

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Sean Swarner

K I L I M A N J A R O10D19H18M

“THE HUMAN BODY CAN ACOMPL I SH ANYTH ING THE M IND CAN DREAM”

The following year Sean took on his next climb, Mount Kilimanjaro reaching a peak of 19,340 feet. This climb went well compared to some of the others; everything seemed to be on their side. They managed to climb it in good time, taking just a matter of days to reach the peak and place another flag to add tribute to the survivors and the people who lost their battle.

In regards to researching my thesis I will use both primary and secondary resources. My primary research will be a survey in which I aim to get a minimum of 30 responses. The main target audience for this will be the creative type, but I have no preference of age range. In order to get a varied set of results I will have to ask some people who aren’t creative. This way I will be able to compare creative people with uncreative. An example of what I am going to ask is; On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being low) How creative would you say you are?’ And ‘If you currently study a creative subject, have you ever been made to feel inadequate about your course by other students studying an ‘intellectual’ course?’ Waterfall fun.

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A Survivors Story

K I L I M A N J A R O E L B R U SIn June 2003 Sean found his next challenge this being Mount Elbrus, which has two peaks and at its highest reaches 18,442 feet in the heart of Russia. This climb went surprisingly well for Sean and his team, the weather seemed to be on their side all the way up, and with no equipment failures or hic ups they completed it in just less than 5 days.

Creativity and Mental Disorder’ is a journal that looks at creativity as a whole, so looking at writers as well as artists. It takes a much more traditional look at creativity and its connection with mental illness. Morgan looks at mental illnesses in great detail, investigating what triggers it and how it can be prevented. He provides statistics about the amount of artists that suffer with mental illness, and some more personal statistics about creative peoples lives.

He includes numerous quotes from depressed artists and writers, which show their attitude to life.The main limitation with this subject is the questionnaire and the primary research. As I will be looking at such private and personal subjects some people may not be willing to answer such personal questions. I will have

08D28H48M “to word my questions with care and sensitivity to make sure that I don’t upset or offend any participants.

I will be concentrating on the visual art side of creativity, such as Graphic Designers, Illustrators, Fine Artists and Games Designers. I had to limit it to this so I could take more of an in depth look at certain areas rather than a huge section. I decided not to look at areas such as writers and scientists it would make my subject area too broad, writers themselves seem to have very fascinating personalities and histories that would be great to look at but is not suitable for this. In this chapter I will work to uncover what creativity is, and with the use of my key texts I will begin to explore creativity and generate a better understanding of visual arts.

My primary research will be a survey in which I aim to get a minimum of 30 responses. The main target audience for this will be the creative type, but I have no preference of age range.

NO CHALLENGE WOULD EVER BE TOO GREAT OR ANY PEAK TOO HIGH”

Time to relax with a rather special view.

Storm time on Mount Elbrus.

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Sean Swarner

In January 2005 it was time to start his next challenge, Mount Aconcagua in South America. Reaching a peak of 22,842 feet, it was one of the bigger challenges out of the seven. During this climb they battled with ferocious winds and rainstorms all the way up. It took slightly longer than first anticipated but with the determination of the group and the commitment they have to this cause, there was no way they were giving up.

Do different cultures see creativity differently? I will identify different definitions of creativity that I have found whilst conducting my research and compare and analyse them to see what I agree or disagree with. Once I have done this I will put together a definition that is based on my opinion from everything I have learnt.

Many psychologists, and just people in general have spent a long time trying to define creativity but always seem to form a different definition to the other. I want to see whether creativity can ever be officially defined or will it always just be an opinion. If this is the case, why is it just an opinion and why is it so hard to define? Different cultures see and treat things differently to one another. I want to see how creativity is treated in different places, such as Africa and how it is defined.

Is it as acceptable to other cultures as it is here? Or is it frowned upon? I want to compare definitions that eastern cultures have to western and how it is received and see how it differs from how I perceive it. In the second chapter I will take a look at the different sides of the brain, and which side of the brain holds creativity and our imagination. Looking at whether creativity and intelligence are linked. I will take a brief look at the two sides of the brain, what they do and how they work together. I will then identify what side of the brain produces our creative ability and imagination. Do they come from the same,

Sean having time to think on the way to the peak of Aconcagua

A C O N C A G U A7D23H32M

do you have to be intelligent to have a creative flair? I will look to see if there is a link between creativity and intelligence, is it true that many of the famous creators were also geniuses?

This then leads to investigating if creative people are more intelligent because they use their brains more effectively. Is this because creativity brings something more out of us? Which is the best mind set to be in to create the most effective work? Is it best to be worked up and stressed? Or is the unconscious mind the most productive? I want to identify the most effective way that a creative person can use their brain.

This chapter will look into whether creativity needs to be nurtured or it is just part of nature. Investigating if we are born creative or is it part of our development process. I hope to find out whether creative subjects are as accepted in schools today as more academic subjects are.

I hope to discover whether creativity is something that we are born with or do we have to develop our skills? The answer to this will confirm if it is important to encourage younger people to be creative and express themselves in this manor. he answer to this will confirm if it is important to encourage younger people to be creative and express themselves in this manor.

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A Survivors Story

Setting up for the next leg of Aconcagua.

I DON’T ALWAYS LOOK LIKE THIS

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“TO THIS DAY, I’VE BEEN TOLD I AM STILL THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS EVER GIVEN HIS OR HER WISH TO SOMEONE ELSE”

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Sean Swarner

Mount Kosciuszko could be considered a ‘walk in the park’ for these guys only reaching a peak of 7,310 feet. Walking in Australia was always going to be an adventure, and that it was. They were greeted by Kangaroos on numerous occasions most being approachable and friendly, one so friendly that Sean was able to approach and put sunglasses on and photograph. This set the whole mood for the climb. Very relaxed and enjoyable, they even found time to sun bathe.

In terms of using my skills for other things if I couldn’t get a job in the design industry I could go into Events Management. This is something that I have a great interest in in the past and definitely something I would be keen to pursue. Being part of the design team for a festival would be a great experience and something that I would love to do. I have had the opportunity in the past to be a part of the team but due to other work commitments I couldn’t undertake it. Being on a Festival design team would mean designing the merchandise, posters.

As well as going into events management I would also like to develop my skills in web design, as I am very interested in it. I think that in order to get work in web design I would need to take another course to develop my skills. Just a top up course or even spending some time myself to improve my skills.

In regards to my best traits I would say that I am good at managing my time. I like to plan out any brief with time constraints to make sure that I get everything done in time for the deadline. I feel that I can relax a little more if I know when I need to get things done by and checking that I am on target. Also I feel that I am good at generating ideas, the development process is the most important part of a project. I enjoy getting my ideas down and paper and developing them.My primary research will be a survey in which I aim to get a minimum of 30 responses.

“LIFE TOSSES PEOPLE CURVEBALLS ONCE IN A WHILE TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLE THEM.”

K O S C I U S Z K O05D08H56M

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A Survivors Story

Vinson reaches a peak of 16,067 feet and is a massive 13 miles wide, and without a doubt is in the coldest of conditions. This climb doesn’t require the greatest of mountaineering skills; it just needs a positive attitude and extra warm clothing. Seen as this is Sean’s sixth climb it’s obvious that he has more than enough experience and he makes it look easy. When he reached the top he couldn’t hold back his emotions. Out of pure happiness he burst into floods of tears as he placed the Keep Climbing flag.

On the other hand I feel that I fall at the final hurdle, in terms of choosing the next idea to take forward into the final process. I often find that I have taken a far less successful idea forward and left more exciting ones behind. Also I think that my photography

V I N S O N07D17H24M

“YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMETHING MIGHT NOT GO WEL L , S O GO OUT AND ENJOY I T NOW”

skills need work. I find that I don’t photograph my final outcomes as well as I could which makes them look less successful than they could look.

As a designer I can offer great organisation, commitment and great contribution to a team. I enjoy bouncing ideas off people, brainstorming and developing as a team. I enjoy feedback sessions, giving my peers constructive criticism and I value them doing the same for me. I think being able to give and take

In order to stand out from the crowd I need to bulk up my CV. To do this I need to get experience in the industry, get some placements and pick up more freelance work. By doing all of the above I will have more on my CV which could give me the edge

against other applicants, after all employers are looking for people with experience. Also by entering competition briefs and potentially winning them will give me more content for my CV. I would ideally like to gain enough experience so I can remove my irrelevant employment history off my CV and replace it with more valuable things.

I also need to make myself known to people in the industry, to do this I will use my mailer and send it out to as many design agencies as possible to get my name known. In terms of my mailer I haven’t given too much away about myself. I have put a couple of samples of work on it and my details. I tried to add a little lighthearted humor in the text I used in it, stating that I make a good cup of tea, which every design agency looks for in new blood.

In the other hand I feel that I fall at the final hurdle, in terms of choosing the next idea to take forward into the final process. I often find that I have taken a far less successful idea. I tried to add a little lighthearted humor in the text I used in it, stating that I make a good cup of tea, which every design agency looks.

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Sean Swarner

In April 2007 after five years of climbing Sean took on his final challenge of Mount McKinley in Alaska, which reaches 20,230 feet. This climb didn’t go as expected, due to the brutal weather and equipment failure it took three attempts to get to the top but with the determination he had, nothing was going to stop him doing it. When he reached the top he planted a flag, but this one was different to all of the rest. This had over 300 names of people who fought and beat cancer. He had completed the seven highest summits in the world. What a hero.

My mailer could have been more flamboyant with exciting folds to make it stand out from all of the rest that they receive but it wouldn’t necessarily work any better than the one I have created. As long as the design works it doesn’t matter how it is made or folded, it will catch someone’s eye. From my mailer and/or business card my blog and my website can be accessed where more of my work can be seen and my PDF portfolio and CV can be accessed and downloaded. I think this is a good way to promote myself initially. I can also submit my work to blogs and forums to get it seen; a lot of freelance work is gained from sightings on blogs. A lot of freelance work is gained from sightings on blogs.

I encountered some technical issues when printing my mailer. It wasn’t printing the correct way and it was coming out upside down. Eventually I had to rotate the image on the computer to then print it double sided. Other than this I didn’t encounter any major issues that affected my final outcomes. Promote myself more – I need to send out more mailers, more emails and more emails to perspective employers. I need to nag design agencies

until they respond to me. Even to get feedback from designers who have made it in the industry would benefit my portfolio.

Get more experience – This will make my CV look more impressive and will make potential employers more keen to see more, and hopefully invite me for an interview. Enter more competition briefs – This will benefit both my CV and my portfolio, both of which are vital in getting interviews and employment opportunities.

Keep my website and blog up-to-date – If people are going to be visiting my website then it needs to be kept up-to-date. New work needs to be uploaded. This is the same with my blog. They are both connected so if they visit one, they are more than likely to end up on the other. If they are only. showing old work and old information then it won’t encourage them to contact me or return to the website. New work needs to be uploaded. This is the same with my blog. They are both connected so if they visit one, they are more than likely to end up on the other. If they are only. showing old work and old information then it won’t encourage.New work needs to be uploaded. This is the same with my blog. They are both connected so if they visit one, they are more than likely to end up on the other. If they are only. showing old work. and old information then it won’t encourage them to contact me or return to the website. They are both connected so if they visit one, they are more than likely to end up on the other. If they are only. showing old work. and old information then it won’t.

M C K I N L E Y06D12H38M

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A Survivors Story

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IT’S RIDICULOUS NOT TO LIVE HAPPILY WITH WHAT YOU HAVE, ENJOY ING THE FACT THAT YOU HAVE THAT DAY AND YOUR HEALTH. I THINK TOO MANY PEOPLE TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED

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Sean Swarner

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MORE FROM SEANwww.cancerclimber.comwww.seanswarner.com

EVEREST IS 9 TIMES HIGHER THAN SKAFELL PIKE AND IS 28 TIMES TALLER THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER.

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A Survivors Story

EVEREST29028 ft

ACONCAGUA22841 ft

KILIMAJARO193400 ft

ELBRUS18310 ft

VINSON16049 ft

KOSCIUSZKO7309 ft

MCKINLEY20328 ft

DEATH ZONE

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Sean Swarner

”“IT WAS A MOMENT TRAPPED IN TIME, FROZEN IN MY MEMORY. I KNEW IN AN INSTANT THAT MY HAIR DIDN’T MATTER, THAT WEARING A WIG DIDN’T MATTER. FRIENDS, FAMILY, DOCTORS, NURSES, PEOPLE, THEY WERE ALL THAT MATTERED.