Alison is just hours away from reaching the summit on Everest. She is climbing in memory of Meg Berte Owen -- when she reaches the summit she's going to plant her ice ax, with Meg's name carved on it, in Meg's spectacular memory.

This is an extraordinary, breathtaking victory. Alison was 36 when she made her first summit bid in 2002 -- she's been on the speaking tour for the past few years and I think it would be fair to say that her training for this expedition was the equivalent of cramming for an exam.

What propelled Alison to the top of the highest peak in the world was not how physically fit she was, or having Ford as her corporate sponsor, or being the Team Captain of the first All-American Women's Team -- it was her love for Meg -- it was the one thing she knew she could do to honor Meg's memory.

Climbing Everest, in a word, is insane. The conditions can be brutal and the people who you're climbing with can be worse. Alison had to hope that this time, Lady Luck would be by her side. As everyone knows, attempting a "do over" takes mindblowing courage.

People often ask me -- what is the essence of 85 Broads? The answer is simple. It's all about resilience -- it's all about not giving up and never quitting -- it's about powering through the inconceivable. I tell my kids all the time -- don't cut and run --don't be a coward -- stand tall and for God's sake -- don't take the easy/cheesy way out. I am proud to say that they are living testament to my favorite saying -- "Courage is like a kite... a contrary wind lifts it higher."

Alison symbolizes everything that is awesome about this network. She had the courage and the intestinal fortitude not to quit despite the immense pain and sadness she felt after Meg died. She knew she was going to have to face down all of her fears because otherwise, her fears and the mountain would surely conquer her. As Alison knows all too well, the margin for error on Everest is ZERO.

Check out www.alpineascents.com -- there is a picture of Alison wearing her orange 85 Broads hat. (Many thanks Pat!)

Ali -- here's to you. You are, and always will be, my hero.