Can’t see the video? Go to our Your Tube page or download the latest version of Quicktime.

Missing Trekker

My friend and big brother Otto Schutt had hoped to come on this trip as a victory lap in his fight with stage 4 colon cancer. October 13th marked the anniversary of Otto’s illness and it was beyond bizarre to be sitting exactly one year later at the Sun Gate holding his ashes. A full year of supporting my dear friend and personal hero; now Team Otto is fulfilling a final wish. Team Otto has grown dramatically on this trip to include every trekker here. From yelling “Otto!” from mountain top to mountain top or pointing out signs of Otto everywhere. It has been great to see everyone carrying him along with me. Give Thanks!

I had the opportunity to better appreciate the individuals both living and passed who have inspired my fellow trekkers to make this journey. Judy, Janet, Meme, Ryan, Agnes, Robert, Matt, Andrea, Ellen, Gaga, Shannon Held and dozens of others were the never far from the hearts and minds of those who, like me, took each painful step in the name of someone dear. I would like to thank everyone for giving me another name to add to my heart as we summited the hill over looking Machu Picchu. It was beautiful to spend a few moments honoring those souls who motivated us to keep going. Give Thanks!

A few of us woke up at 4:30am which was not an easy thing after celebrating late and then enjoying a first night’s sleep back in a real bed. This sleepy group shuffled out well before daylight to fight crowds and uncooperative authorities as we made our way back to Machu Picchu to spread Otto’s ashes. As the sun announced a beautiful new day we were atop one of the most spiritually powerful and scenically beautiful places on earth. I remembered back to something our guide, Domingo, had said choking back tears on our first night,” I bring many people to Machu Picchu to feel the energy of this special place. This group is actually BRIGING good energy to this place and I thank you.”

We said a few words of remembrance for the life of Otto P Schutt on one of the high peaks. He was a powerful soul who worked in many different communities in need from helping at risk youth in gang ridden neighborhoods in San Francisco to helping music and arts talents grow throughout the US. He worked with organizations like Kiva to help create entrepreneurs in 3rd world countries as he also helped raise money for cancer screening and treatment. His adopted families in Southern California, San Francisco, New York and around the world all came together with one beautiful connection. Otto also married 12 couples who wanted his love and energy to help bind them for the rest of their lives. Give Thanks!

Many will remember I told Otto he would make it to the top of Machu Picchu even if I had to carry him. I had worried we wouldn’t be invited on this trip and Otto only responded, “They love us! It’s your job to show them how much.” Nothing could have prepared me for how much I would love the people of Love Hope Strength. The New Jersey crew always looking for ways to make people laugh, the various girls teams motivating each other up the hill, the guy teams whinning about who is older and less in shape and the musicians who kept translating the local beauty we experienced into song. All of these people were represented in some way on mountain this morning even if they couldn’t all be there physically.

We found a perfect spot to release Otto’s ashes in private and in respect of the sanctity of this place. The beautiful Cy Curnin lead us in an acapella “Remember Me When I’m Gone” that I will never forget. Perfect for the moment. The Foley sisters provided yet another example of how women loved Otto. Amy, Gary, Alex and Stash were there recording the moment on hearts and film. Derrick, Dex, and I gathered on top of a natural altar to toss ashes mixed with playa dust from the Black Rock Desert. Give Thanks! We then listened to “Hey World” recorded by Michael Franti in Monterey last year when he learned of Otto’s illness. It was a powerful moment for sure. Give Thanks!

Machu Picchu has been used in this way for hundreds of years and we were thankful for the opportunity and support from local Peruvians to make this happen even if some of the security personnel did not agree. It was a little like what we went through with local police when we celebrated completing Otto’s 4th round of chemo by parading across the Golden Gate Bridge. Sometimes it is easier to ban all unusual activity rather than taking the time to understand the significance of what this group has done in support of sick people in Peru. Give Thanks for people who get it and Give Thanks for people who won’t be stopped.

The rest of the day was spent doing a number of activities including more hiking, a little shopping, interacting with the locals and for many…a well earned nap. Everyone was excited to have a self-directed day. Give Thanks!

At 4pm we gathered in the main square to Rock It! All of the musicians appeared together to play and create a special moment for the local Peruvians. The music stopped the town and crossed language barriers with ease. Once people realized the performance was for them, they gathered round to enjoy the gift and see something I suspect is as rare a sight as never. The people danced, sang along, smiled and laughed in connection with all of the artist who were so easily able to touch the hearts of everyone. The children were especially excited and couldn’t get enough. Most of the laps of the LHS girls were filled with the beautiful children of the town. Smiles moved from face to face and it was a welcome break for many of the people who rarely get to see westerners so interested in them and their needs. The Mayor took time to honor Mike, Chip and Shannon for all of their efforts, patience and for making such a powerful push in increasing access to cancer care in Peru. He gave Jim Kennedy, mayor of Rahway New Jersey the “power stick” so he could now also control Machu Picchu – look out! He honored Otto and asked for the entire team to sign the town’s honored guest book. Otto P Schutt now appears in the book as well. Give Thanks! He made it!

I took some time to myself at an internet café where I saw each and every computer had a picture of the event displayed on the screen as people were feverishly emailing photos to friends and family showing the concert in the square. Outside people were signing autographs and hugs exchanged between many who found this act a much easier a way to communicate love and friendship than words. This was one of my favorite days ever! Give Thanks!

Were he here, I think Otto would want to express the GRATITUDE he has for so many supporters whom he’s never met along with everyone who has taken time to consider we are one world and one global family. He would HOPE that momentum doesn’t stop at the top of the mountain and that we all continue to “be the change that we want to see in the world” by remembering to show the less fortunate that there are people who care. I think he would also tell you how much LOVE he has for you all. We, most of all know how precious each day is and our opportunities to say “I Love You” should never be taken for granted. I would like to say I love you to all of the people who supported this crew in such an amazing undertaking. You are why we are here. Mentors, restaurant owners, auction donors, sponsors, friends families and especially the loved ones we carry in our heart when we felt like giving up. WE LOVE YOU!!!

Give Thanks,
Lee Williams
Aguas Calientes, Peru
October 14, 2008
www.ottoschutt.com