| Name: | Tom Halverson |
| Birthdate: | April 8, 1957 |
| Birthplace: | Duluth, Minnesota |
| Residence: | Cloquet, Minnesota |
| Family: | Three children: Robert, Jacob and Miranda |
| Education: | Board Eligible Prosthetist, 1999; Registered Orthetic, 1978; Registered Prosthesis Technician, 1977; Century College, 1975-1977; Cloquet High School, 1975 |
| Occupation: | Prosthetic and Orthotic Practitioner |
| Work history: | Hanger Prosthetic and Orthotic, 1991 to present; Northwest Art Limb and Brace, 1978-1991 |
| Accomplishments: | Helped provide the prosthesis that made it possible for Ed Hommer to summit Mt. McKinley in 1999. |
| How
long I’ve been a mountain climber: |
I’m not a mountain climber. I’ve done some ice climbing but nothing extreme. |
| How
I became part of this expedition: |
Because of my involvement with his prosthesis, and our friendship, Ed asked me if I would go along in case he has problems with his prosthesis on the lower elevations of the mountain. |
| Responsibilities
on the expedition: |
My main responsibility is ensure that Ed receives a set of comfortable prosthesis capable of withstanding the cold and abuse that he will give them on a high altitude expedition. I also worked with and coordinated the efforts by Seattle Orthopedic Group, Inc., the company fabricating the custom heated inserts; and Spring Lite, the company fabricating Ed’s custom climbing feet. I am also coordinating the efforts of Hanger Prosthetic and Orthotic -- including the staff of our Duluth and Hibbing offices who not only help in organization but in the fabrication of the prosthesis. |
| Goals for the expedition: | My main goal is to help make it possible for Ed to stand on the summit of Everest and then return safely. My personal goal is to climb as high as advanced base camp, which is approximately 20,000 feet. |
| What
the expedition means to me: |
To help bring prosthetic componentry to a third world country to help the people and the children. This is what it’s all about; and also helping Ed send the message that people with disabilities can control their own limitations. |
| How
I know Ed Hommer: |
In 1983 or 1984 Ed walked into the office where I worked to see me for a prosthetic evaluation. He was using crutches and was walking very poorly. We made him a new set of prosthesis that worked very well for him. After a period of time we became friends. |
| Childhood memory: | Going to the cabin on Cole Lake with my family. |
| Hobbies: | I love to hunt, fish, canoe, four wheel and build things. |
| Interesting
fact about myself: |
I’m really not too thrilled about heights. |
| Favorite Food: | Pappilon Strawberry Angel Food Cake |
| Favorite TV Show: | MASH |
| Favorite Music: | County & Western |
| Favorite Movie: | “Die Hard” |