Chelsey Horne's Legacy Project

The story behind Altitude 14505

 In the summer of 2004, Chelsey Horne and a group of teens with Type 1 Diabetes completed an ascent of Mt. Whitney, an elevation of 14505 feet. This climb, part of DYF’s Bearskin Meadow Camp experience, is trying enough for any climber. For individuals with a chronic condition, it is a particularly challenging experience physically, spiritually and medically. Chelsey considered Mt. Whitney to be her greatest accomplishment and she vowed to return.

Two years later, Chelsey was diagnosed with melanoma and her commitment shifted. She was determined to create a program to raise money for Bearskin Takes Mt. Whitney, making it possible for other teens with T1 Diabetes to experience the exhilaration of standing on top of the world. 

In the final week of her life, Chelsey discussed her dream with thoughtful clarity.

Altitude 14505 is her legacy, a celebration of a remarkable
young woman’s life and accomplishments.

It focuses on aspects of Chelsey’s passions; her love of birthday cards, inspirational quotes and the courage to keep climbing.

THE LOGO

The logo lived in my head for a few years almost exactly as you see it now. I wanted enough time to pass to sort out any new ideas but the original idea remained the same: the silhouette of Mt. Whitney’s peaks and the “C” of stars that watched over us the night of Chelsey’s Celebration campfire at Bearskin Meadow Camp. The little yellow burst at the top remains open for interpretation by everyone.  For me, at times it represents the love and energy Chelsey brought to absolutely everything she did. It reminds me of the story Erin Heiser told about naming her daughter after mine. It can be Elliot’s trip to the top of Mt. Whitney to scatter Chelsey’s ashes the summer she died. The burst can be your special personal memory of her strength, her laugh, her smile, her snarky sense of humor. It’s yellow, it’s energy, it’s inspiration. It’s full service!! I am aware that the literal interpretation of the top of Mt. Whitney is generally referred to as “elevation” and that “altitude” comes from more of a “this is your pilot speaking” vocabulary. But because of where Chelsey is, in our hearts and our heads, I didn’t want a beginning or an end. Altitude 14505 is somewhere in between: a challenge, a destination, a funny story or a place to draw strength and always a special, quiet place to go to find her, if only for a moment.