These days I refer to myself as a climber. The sport has changed my life and helped shape me into the man I see in the mirror. It started in 1998 when I first stepped foot into a small climbing gym. Shortly thereafter I was lucky enough to have a mentor take me under his wing, and introduce me to the world of outdoor climbing.

Jumping ahead to 2012, I was diagnosed with a chronic digestive disease called Ulcerative Colitis. This new part of my life forced me to seriously rethink my lifestyle. Not to be defeated, I turned to nature and quickly threw myself completely at climbing.

Climbing for me is first and foremost about being active in nature. It’s nature’s best medicine after all. This is especially true for my situation. Bouldering in particular offers something special. The primordial movements on rock ignite an addictive passion, while the bliss of being surrounded by the forests ushers in a euphoric pleasure.

Today my time is spent working as a professional photographer, climbing as much as possible, and doing what I can to spread awareness for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.

www.markscherle.com