Local chiropractor will climb Kilimanjaro to help local kids and vets this coming July

Warwick — Inspiration. It comes to us in many different ways, many times when we least expect it. Take Dr. Frank Welling, owner of FASTraining in Warwick, a physical training facility. Welling, who has been athletic all of his life, is also a chiropractor. He knows the human body and how it works. He pushes it everyday, biking, training, as he urges others into good physical health. Not long ago, Welling had just finished three books, the last of which was written by Sean Burch, a world record holding explorer and renowned fitness instructor. “I looked at these guys who have done extraordinary things and I thought a regular person can make a difference.” Burch, Welling read, had been training in 2005 on the crater rim of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. When he came down the mountain, he decided to run back up. He set the world record for the fastest ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro, running up this inactive volcano in five hours, 28 minutes and 45 seconds. At the end of the book, Burch’s advice rang true to Welling. “He said you have to follow your dreams and do what you think is right,” said Welling. “That was his message. It was an intuitive moment for me. It said do it.” And that’s just what Welling plans to do this July—he’s going to do it. He and a friend, Josh Goldstein, will make the trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro, beginning July 10, for two good causes—the Make A Wish Foundation of the Hudson Valley and the Wounded Warrior Project. He’s hoping to donate. His goal is set high: $100,000. He is planning to run several publicity events leading up to his July departure for Africa, including a 24-hour fitness event at his business, which is located at 317 Route 94 South toward Vernon, sometime in the future. He is also planning to write a children’s book, the proceeds of which would go toward his two chosen causes. “I want to be a positive light,” he said. “ I want to show that a regular person can make a difference.”