Legendary climber Jim Bridwell battling health issues. Here’s how to help

Legendary climber Jim Bridwell, who has blazed a trail in the mountaineering world as a mentor, maverick and innovator, is in need of help.

The family of the 73-year-old climber has started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for medical expenses related to hepatitis C, liver and kidney failure.

Layton Bridwell wrote on the GoFundMe page that his father began complaining about feeling bloated several months ago. But in true Bridwell fashion, he didn’t worry too much about it. When his symptoms worsened, and after several visits to the emergency room, he was diagnosed with hepatitis C.

Bridwell is also on the transplant list for a liver.

So far, the campaign is about halfway to its goal of $50,000.

Bridwell, who spent 15 years in Yosemite, is a living legend. He has been written about in major media outlets from GQ to Rolling Stone. Although regarded at times as reckless and somewhat of a renegade, few can dispute his skills as a climber.

He is credited with 100 first ascents in Yosemite Valley and became the first to complete a one-day ascent of The Nose of El Capitan on May 26, 1975 with John Long and Billy Westbay.

On the GoFundMe page, Layton Bridwell wrote this about his father’s diagnosis of hepatitis C:

“ … my mom suspects he could have contracted from any number of his adventures but more likely than not it came from the tattoo he received from the Headhunter’s during his cross navigation of Borneo back in the 80’s when I was a kid.”

This story was originally published January 25, 2018 at 3:03 PM with the headline "Legendary climber Jim Bridwell battling health issues. Here’s how to help."