UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES

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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
Imagine a world without ..
Winston Churchill Van Gogh
Beethoven
These incredible people are just some of the many
that have lived with Bipolar Disorder
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What is Bipolar Disorder?

• Characterized by disabling mood swings between
  mania and depression.
• A higher suicide rate than any other disease or
  mental illness.
• 6th leading cause of medical disability
  worldwide.
• Greater degree of disability than osteoarthritis,
  HIV infection, diabetes, and asthma.
• 70 of patients are misdiagnosed.
• Bipolar Disorder imposes a substantial economic
  burden on society.
• Estimated annual societal cost in Australia is
  1.59billion, of which about half in indirect
  costs.
• In Australia, over 200, 000 people are suffering
  from this illness.
• Every untreated patient costs their employer an
  average of 10, 000 per year in lost
  productivity.

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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
Aims

• To build a new awareness within Australia and
  internationally about the issues facing people
  with Bipolar Disorder.
• To raise funds to give grants for vital research
  into the causes and more effective diagnosis of
  Bipolar Disorder.
• To inspire a world-wide audience via the
  documentary by combating the stigma currently
  associated with mental illness, and demonstrating
  that people with Bipolar Disorder can not only
  lead ordinary live but can achieve extraordinary
  things and lead full and successful lives.

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Ski with me to the last degree

• I believe a carer is a person who has extended
  friendship, emotionally and financially supported
  and shared in the frustrations with a close
  person with a mental illness.

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The impact of living with Bipolar Disorder

• If your loved one has bipolar disorder, you can
  be an instrumental support throughout the
  treatment and recovery process.
• Here are some tips for family members
• Educate
• Encourage
• Get involved

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Empathy vs. Sympathy

• It is important to take care of yourself
• Its important for you to build your own support
  system
• You will be best able to support the person you
  care about when you are healthy, rested and
  relaxed.

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Do not follow where the path may lead go
instead where there is no path and leave a trail
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South Pole November 2009
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North Pole April 2010
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Why?

• In order to combat the massive public stigma
  associated with Bipolar Disorder, we have to
  think big and travel to the extremes to raise
  awareness. Sending teams to both poles will
  attract massive public attention and will be an
  adventure that parallels the extremes of the
  disorder.

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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
The Last Degree to the South Pole November 2009
Distance 112km    Duration 20 days including 14
days on ice
"I am hell-bent for the South Pole God willing
and crevasses permitting."- Edmund Hillary.
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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
The Last Degree to the North Pole April 2010
Distance approximately 110km Duration 12 days
including 9 days on the Arctic ice  
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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES

• Over 19 years experience in the adventure
  travel industry.
• Has led expeditions in over 64 countries.
• World Record Holder for the fastest journey from
  the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole.
• Skied to both the North and South Pole several
  times.
• Lecturer at the Royal Geographical Society and a
  published wildlife photographer. 

Jason De Carteret
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THE BIPOLAR EXPEDITION
UNDERSTANDING THE EXTREMES
Crossing the Antarctic Circle Cruise December
2008
THEBIPOLAREXPEDITION has teamed up with Peregrine
to offer 100 people the opportunity to go on a
spectacular 13 night cruise to cross the
Antarctic Circle in December 2008. This journey
takes us to one of the worlds most awe inspiring
destinations. Sailing aboard our well-appointed
vessel, we see Antarctic nature in all its glory,
and even to spend a night camping out on shore if
you wish.
Peregrine Adventure is donating 10 of the voyage
fare to go towards research on Bipolar Disorder.
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Partners

• Australian Rotary Health Research Fund
• Provides financial support to research projects
  within Australia which have the potential to
  enhance the health of the community.
• Last year contributed 1.51 million to support
  Mental Illness research in Australia.
• Setting up THEBIPOLAREXPEDITION named funding
  scheme.

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Partners

• Black Dog Institute
• An educational, research, clinical and
  community-oriented facility dedicated to
  improving understanding, diagnosis and treatment
  of mood disorders.

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Ski with me to the last degree to raise awareness
for Bipolar Disorder

• How YOU can support
• Online Donations can be made at
  www.bipolarexpedition.org
• As a registered charity, donations in Australia
  are tax deductible.
• Spread the word about our expedition and what we
  hope to achieve.
• Donated Items Wanted
• Bipolar Ball
• Networking Function with Craig Hamilton
• Corporate Sponsorship Pack

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Contact Us

• Lisa Devereaux
• E lisad_at_thelastdegree.com
• Sponsor me www.gofundraise.com.au/lisa

• Jason Hawley
• E jasonhawley00_at_hotmail.com
• Sponsor me www.gofundraise.com.au/jasonhawley

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Thank You
"Superhuman effort isn't worth a damn unless it
achieves results."     Ernest Shackleton.
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