Climb seeks survivors to summit Mount Hood

Dreamed of climbing a mountain, but have yet to try? Or, have you won an uphill battle against cancer and feel ready to conquer Mount Hood? This year, the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer has 10 peak experiences from which to choose, including a June 11-12 trip to the top of Mount Hood with two summit teams—one for cancer survivors only.

The Climb to Fight Breast Cancer raises funds for Hutchinson Center research; 2011 marks the first year organizers have tailored a specific expedition to cancer survivors. The climbs start in May and include Mount Olympus, the highest peak in the Olympic Mountain range. 

Kristin Peterson, a Seattle attorney who specializes in health care law, was among the first to sign up for the Survivor Summit. “Every day I am grateful that I am physically able to climb, ski and run,” said Peterson, a 15-year cancer survivor. “Supporting cancer research could mean that one day no one will have to endure a fight against cancer, which would be amazing.” 

Pick your peak

Like all Climb to Fight Breast Cancer treks, the Survivor Summit will involve team camaraderie and training in mountaineering skills by professional guides. The 2011 Climb to Fight Breast Cancer peaks are:

• Mount Adams
• Mount Baker
• Denali
• Mount Elbrus in Russia
• Mount Hood
• Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
• Mount Olympus
• Mount Rainier
• Mount Shasta
• The Volcanoes of Mexico

For more information or to register for the Climb to Fight Breast Cancer, visit the Climb website.