Climb4Life series raises funds for ovarian cancer research, awareness and survivors
The HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation, a nationally recognized ovarian cancer nonprofit whose mission is to stop the loss of women from ovarian cancer, announced the schedule for its 2013 Climb4LifeSM series today. HERA’s Climb4LifeSM events are rock climbing and hiking weekends, some held in indoor gyms and some at outdoor crags, in locations spanning from the East to the West Coast. The 2013 dates include: Boulder, Colo. – June 22; Washington, D.C. – July 13; and, Salt Lake City, Utah – Sept. 13-15.
Through funds raised from its Climb4LifeSM series and auxiliary events, HERA provides funding for cutting-edge research grants to scientists at respected medical institutions around the country such as Johns Hopkins University and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. Funded projects focus on mechanisms of ovarian cancer development, growth and treatment. In addition, HERA awards grants to local community groups raising awareness about the disease in novel and unusual ways.
The Climb4LifeSM series was conceived in 2001 while HERA Founder Sean Patrick was recovering from her seventh ovarian cancer surgery. What started as a single event in Salt Lake City has grown into a national program in four cities attracting hundreds of participants each year. In addition to rock climbing, some cities feature hiking, biking, outdoor photography, skills clinics with professional rock climbers, yoga as well as other activities. Climb4Life brings together beginner and expert climbers, ovarian cancer survivors, men, women, teens, children and those simply seeking a new adventure.
Photo courtesy of HERA
“Sean Patrick was an avid rock climber and outdoor enthusiast. She felt an original event like Climb4Life would put a different face on ovarian cancer and raise awareness in women who are healthy and active,” said Meg Steitz, HERA’s executive director. “It is still our mission to raise awareness of ovarian cancer among women, girls and the men who love them, and to help stop the loss of great women to this very deadly, yet under-recognized disease.”
According to the American Cancer Society, one in 71 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in her lifetime. In 2012, about 22,280 women received a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer and about 15,500 women died from the disease. With early detection, about 94 percent will survive longer than five years after diagnosis. Currently, however, only 15 percent of ovarian cancer is caught early. It ranks fifth as the cause of cancer deaths in women and accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system.
Through Climb4LifeSM and other events, along with funding from multiple other sources, HERA remains committed to investing at least 88 percent of the funds raised each year in programs that provide research, awareness, education and community support for ovarian cancer and families who are currently battling the disease. Since 2002, HERA has proudly awarded nearly $825,000 for scientific research grants and community grants.
About the HERA Foundation:
Established in 2002, the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to stop the loss of women from ovarian cancer by promoting Health, Empowerment, Research, and Awareness. As a nationally recognized ovarian cancer organization, HERA provides funding for cutting-edge research grants to scientists at respected medical institutions. In so doing, HERA attracts more young researchers to expand the scientific understanding of ovarian cancer while improving the lives of those battling the disease. In addition, HERA awards grants to local community groups to raise awareness about the disease in novel and unusual ways. More information is available at www.herafoundation.org.
The Women's Outdoor News, aka The WON, features news, reviews and stories about women who are shooting, hunting, fishing and actively engaging in outdoor adventure. This publication is for women, by women. View all posts by The WON
