Host-boxing instructor Vince Velasco airlifted from Mt Everest

MANILA, Philippines – Host and boxing instructor Vince Velasco has had to cut short his Mount Everest climb.

On Thursday, May 25, Vince said that he was airlifted off Mount Everest on May 21 and was taken to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Ciwec Hospital in Nepal.

By then, Vince said, he was 4,000 meters above sea level and only a few days away from reaching the base camp.

“I’ll spare you the details but it was the closest call I’ve had,” said Vince.

“Four days later, I’m out of the hospital healthy and processing the experience. It was a really tough call, one I couldn’t make, and so I have to thank my guide for making it for me. Had he not, I might have pushed harder. A part of me wishes I pushed harder regardless of the risk. But in a way, I think God may be reminding me of a few things.”

He shared some of the lessons he learned from the trip.

“First, just because you can doesn’t mean you will. You may have the ability to go for the things you want and try as hard as you can but it doesn’t mean you will arrive there or achieve what you want at the time of your choosing,” said Vince.

“Second, it really isn’t about the destination; it is about the journey. Regardless of what happened it is still probably the most beautiful and memorable trip I have been on. And the destination is just the goal. It’s the encouraging each other, the bonds created through the long trek, and sharing the amazing scenery with great people that makes a trip so memorable.”

The photos that accompanied Vince’s post are among the last ones he took, he said, and show the closest he got to the mountain.

On May 13 we set out on our most exciting and challenging adventure yet. 22 days of travel, 15 days of trekking, all for Everest Basecamp and Gokyo lakes. A once in a lifetime trip. Unfortunately on May 21st my trip in the mountains came to a crushing halt. That morning at 4000meters I had to be airlifted out and taken to the ICU in Ciwec hospital Nepal. Only a few days til we reached basecamp. I'll spare you the details but it was the closest call I've had. (I can only imagine what others go through.) Four days later, I'm out of the hospital healthy and processing the experience. It was a really tough call one I couldn't make and so I have to thank my guide for making it for me. Had he not I might have pushed harder. A part of me wishes I pushed harder regardless of the risk. But in a way, I think God may be reminding me of a few things. First, just because you can doesn't mean you will. You may have the ability to go for the things you want and try as hard as you can but it doesn't mean you will arrive there or achieve what you want at the time of your choosing. Second, it really isn't about the destination, it is about the journey. Regardless of what happened it is still probably the most beautiful and memorable trip I have been on. And the destination is just the goal. It's the encouraging each other, the bonds created through the long trek, and sharing the amazing scenery with great people that makes a trip so memorable. To my teammates @nellal @benjstagram92 @caradurano I couldn't have asked for a better team of friends to be with. I left my heart with you guys on the mountain and I couldn't be more proud. You guys are amazing! Wouldnt have made it that far without you. To the people in Ciwec and the town of Pangboche I can't express my gratitude enough. Some of the nicest and most genuine people I have ever come across. — These two photos are among the last few I took of the closest I got to the mountain. Depressing to be reminded of when your mind says go but your body won't budge. But thats okay, the mountain had its day with me but I will have my day on the mountain. #NepalExpedition2017 To be continued.

A post shared by Vince Velasco (@vincevelasco23) on May 25, 2017 at 5:36am PDT

According to an Instagram post by Vince’s teammate, Nella Lomotan, Vince was hit by acute mountain sickness (AMS). She added that on the 8th day of their trek, their team reached Mount Everest’s base camp and they would take another week to complete their circuit around the Himalayas.

This one's for those who inspire us to live courageously as we climb up our own mountains, and those who help us up along the way. • Time and again, I am reminded that this life, is what we make it. We may not have control over many things that happen to us, but we have control over how we choose to live. To our friend @carloscang, thank you for showing us what it means to live – making the best use of our time with all the strength that we can muster. For inspiring us to be brave, to be resilient amidst life's uncertainties, and to have faith in one's self. In every sense of it, you've inspired me (and I am certain, many others) to NEVER STOP CLIMBING. • And to our teammate @vincevelasco23 who, even after getting hit by AMS, still managed to think about us and send his personal stash of water purification tabs our way, you inspire us with your selflessness! You are with us every step of the way. • On our 8th day we reached Everest Base Camp, and continue on for another week to complete our circuit in the Himalayas. Thankful for what has been and for everyone's kind messages! These have inspired us to go on. #NepalExpedition2017 #AirAsiaInNepal

A post shared by Nella Lomotan (@nellal) on May 23, 2017 at 5:19am PDT

Vince first announced in an April 21 Instagram post that he was going to Mount Everest. Aside from Nella, he was traveling with Benj Ramos and Cara Durano. – Rappler.com