5 Year Staff Reflections-Andreas Gassner

For me, MSF started when an American client of mine told me about his idea of making the mountains and their positive energy on people accessible to veterans and their families. Of course I agreed and offered my help with that vision, but – really – I thought it was another random guy talking big words.

And here we are now, 5 years later, and right now I am on a trip to Ukraine further developing our Healing Base Camp in western Ukraine.

5 years during which MSF grew from a quick-and-dirty-climbing-camp in my hometown to an honourable charity foundation, due to the dedication, passion and teamwork of so many. 5 years, during which I met exceptional people from all over the world, many of whom I am fortunate to call my friends now. 5 years of joining children, veterans, families, mums and – together with them – growing as humans, finding deeper meaning in my job and life and being part of a transformation from dark to bright, witnessed in so many participant’s eyes.

What I love about MSF is that it ties people together and creates a strong bond between children, veterans, mums, therapists, climbing “aunties”, climbing “uncles” and guides –  going far beyond a simple challenging experience in the mountains or professional relationship.

We all rope up to be part of the same cause, to achieve the same goal: make our planet a little better place to live together. What a beautiful reason to get up in the morning.

Thanks for letting me be part of you, Mountain Seed family!