Who is Dale Kruse from The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest and what is their importance?

Dale Kruse is a dentist and amateur climber, Dale Kruse was an early financial supporter of Fisher's business and a good friend. Despite his deteriorating condition, Kruse was encouraged by Fischer to make the summit attempt. He became to ill to continue, however, at Camp I, and was helped back to Base Camp by Fischer.